Stress is a normal part of life. It’s the body’s natural reaction to sudden environmental or physical change. When we are not used to these changes, we become stressed. Stress increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and cancer.

To reduce stress, the first step is to know what causes it and control our stress levels. There are many factors that can cause stress, including bad relationships, pressure at work, and financial worries. There are ways to lower our stress levels through exercise, diet, and other changes in lifestyle. Some people have learned how to manage their stress by making small changes in their lifestyles.

While you can’t really control things like finances and the economy, you can make some things work for you. Take a look at your habits and see what needs to change to make life less stressful. You may find that your best solution is to simply do less of the things that make you stressed.

The number one stress factor is alcohol. Research has shown that drinking five or more drinks per week increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you are drinking alcohol, cut back. Limit yourself to one drink per day.

Sleep is also important for relaxation. Our bodies crave rest after a stressful day. Sleep time will give you a chance to mentally recharge. Be sure to get enough sleep. Avoid drinking late at night, as this will deplete your sleep.

Natural stress relief is to avoid stressful situations altogether. Think about that meeting tomorrow at work. You don’t want to get dressed up and have your hair done when it’s a Monday morning. It’s also important to remember that feeling good is not the same as feeling good in stressful situations. Feeling good requires action.

One of the easiest ways to lower stress is to write down things that you can control. This includes taking a bath, brushing your teeth, and getting dressed. Keeping a log of how much time you spend doing the things you can control will be good to check your stress levels. Writing down where you are, and what you need to do, helps. Remember that you can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you react to it.

In order to decrease stress, you can turn negative situations into positive ones. Often, stress develops when we don’t have a choice, so instead of blaming the situation, just change it. Find something you can do that will help you. If you are stuck at home due to poor weather, try to think of something you enjoy. Chances are good that you will enjoy it, and the stress will lessen.

Learn about different ways to relax. Some of the most relaxing activities are deep breathing and listening to music. There are many resources online for learning to meditate. Many activities provide exercise, too. Even something as simple as walking around the block, or playing a sport can relieve stress.

What you eat affects your stress levels, as does your stress level with your food. Eat healthily, and do not overeat. Studies have shown that overeating leads to stress, which in turn causes more stress, and so on.

Being free from stress is important for our overall health. Our brain needs time to heal, and if we are constantly stressed, this healing process is slowed down. This is why keeping stress in control is so important.