"57 control for the moment. From your list of problems that yo u can solve now, start with the little ones. Learn how to calmly look at a problem, think of possible solutions, and take action to solve the problem. Being able to solve small problems will give you confidence to tackle the big ones. And feeling confident that you can solve problems will go a long way to helping you feel less stressed. • Be flexible. Sometimes, it’s not worth the stress to argue. Give in once in a while or meet people halfway. • Get organized. Think ahead about how you’re going to spend your t ime. Write a to - do list. Figure out what’s most important to do and do those things first. • Set limits. When it comes to things like work and family, figure out what you can really do. There are only so many hours in the day. Set limits for yourself and ot hers. Don’t be afraid to say NO to requests for your time and energy. Relax • Take deep breaths. If you're feeling stressed, taking a few deep breaths makes you breathe slower and helps your muscles relax. • Stretch. Stretching can also help relax your musc les and make you feel less tense. Massage tense muscles. Having someone massage the muscles in the back of your neck and upper back can help you feel less tense. • Take time for yourself. We all have lots of things that we have to do. But often we don't tak e the time to do the things that we really want to do. It could be listening to music, reading a good book, or going to a movie. Think of this as an order from your doctor, so you won’t feel guilty! Take care of your body • Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep helps you recover from the stresses of the day. Also, being well - rested helps you think better so that you are prepared to handle problems as they come up. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to feel rested. • Eat right. Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Don’t be fooled by the jolt you get from caffeine or high - sugar snack foods. Your energy will wear off, and you could wind up feeling more tired than you did before. • Get moving. Getting physical activity can not only help relax your tense muscles but improve your mood. Research shows that physical activity can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. • Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways. This includes drin king too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating. Connect with others • Share your stress. Talking about your problems with friends or family members can sometimes help you feel better. They might also help you see your problems in a new way and suggest solutions that you hadn't thought of."