27 Ways To Relieve Stress and Anxiety: Manage Your Mental Health

Stress can get to us all at one time or another. However, it’s time to take action if it’s taking a toll on your mental health. Once it starts to take a mental toll, your physical health is bound to suffer. We’ve put together 27 Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety so you can manage your mental health better before it gets out of control.

People deal with stress in different ways, so not all the activities on our list will help you relax or be something you’re willing to try. The important thing is that you acknowledge that you have stress, identify your source of stress, and do something to help you feel better.

What Does Stress Do To Our Body?

Stress is a natural part of life that affects us all at some point. When we experience stress, our body releases certain chemicals and hormones that prepare us to handle perceived threats or challenges. One of the primary stress hormones released is cortisol, which helps increase our heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, providing an immediate burst of energy.

Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is a naturally occurring hormone in our bodies that plays a vital role in managing stress and maintaining overall health. When we encounter a stressful situation, cortisol levels rise, allowing our bodies to respond effectively. 

Prolonged or chronic stress can harm our physical and mental well-being. It can lead to various health issues, such as headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, weakened immune systems, and even heart disease. Excessive stress can negatively impact our mood, causing irritability, anxiety, and depression. So, it’s essential to recognise and manage stress before it gets overwhelming.

How To Recognise When You Are Stressed

Recognising when you feel stressed is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced life. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms that indicate you might be under stress. While everyone experiences stress differently, there are common indicators that can help you identify when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Physical effects of stress may include:

• headaches
• muscle tension
• difficulty sleeping
• or changes in appetite

Emotionally, you may notice:

• increased irritability
• mood swings
• the feeling of being overwhelmed and anxious 

Paying attention to these signs can empower you to take proactive steps towards managing your stress levels and prioritising self-care. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel stressed sometimes, but being aware will allow you to address it effectively and maintain a sense of well-being.

Identify Your Stress Response

A stress response refers to the physiological, psychological, and behavioural reactions that occur when we encounter stressful situations or events. It is our body’s natural way of preparing itself to deal with perceived threats or challenges.

Identifying your stress response is essential in managing stress and maintaining overall well-being. Paying attention to physical and emotional cues is helpful to determine your stress response. Every person is different, so stress indicators will also differ from person to person.

Physical signs might include:

• increased heart rate
• muscle tension
• headaches
• changes in appetite

Emotional indicators could involve:

• irritability
• mood swings
• difficulty concentrating
• feeling overwhelmed

Awareness of these signs can enable you to recognise when you are experiencing stress and take proactive steps to reduce its impact on your life. Remember, understanding your stress response is an important part of self-care and can significantly contribute to your overall health and happiness.

Once you know you’re feeling anxiety and stress, you can take measures to reduce these feelings. Let’s look at some ways to combat stress.

27 Ways To Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Exercise

Regular physical activity has a remarkable impact on our mental well-being, particularly when it comes to reducing stress levels. Engaging in physical exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural stress relievers, improving our mood and providing a sense of relaxation.

Endorphins are natural chemicals often called the “feel-good hormones” our bodies produce to help us feel pleasure and happiness. They act as natural painkillers and boost our mood. Endorphins are released in our brains when we exercise, laugh, eat chocolate, or even fall in love. Endorphins can also help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.

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Participating in physical activities helps to divert our focus away from the worries and pressures of daily life. It allows us to immerse ourselves in the present moment. Whether going for a run, practising yoga, or simply taking a brisk walk, regular physical activity improves our physical fitness. It plays a vital role in alleviating stress and promoting overall mental health.

Deep Breathing

Practising deep breathing can effectively reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness and well-being. When we encounter stressful situations, our bodies tend to go into a fight-or-flight response, increasing our heart and breathing rates. Deep breathing helps activate the body’s relaxation response, which counters the stress response.

By taking slow, deep breaths, we stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to slow our heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax our muscles. Deep breathing also helps increase the oxygen supply to our brains and bodies. This increased oxygen promotes a sense of clarity and focus. We can manage stress better if we consciously incorporate deep breathing exercises into our daily routines.

Meditation

Meditation is used by many to help reduce stress. However, it can be a tricky skill to master. Distractions make it hard to learn how to meditate properly. It is worth persisting with as, during meditation, our brain waves shift from the active beta state to the calmer alpha and theta states, promoting a sense of deep relaxation and tranquillity. The meditation process helps decrease the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol while increasing the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and endorphins. 

Serotonin helps transmit signals between nerve cells and is a hormone that contributes to our overall well-being and happiness. It regulates various bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and digestion. When serotonin levels are balanced, we tend to feel more content, calm and focused. However, imbalances in serotonin can lead to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. 

Meditation enhances our self-awareness through regular practice, allowing us to understand better and manage our stress triggers. Ultimately, meditation cultivates a state of calm and balance, which empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.

Yoga

Yoga is a spiritual discipline that can help us reduce stress and find inner peace. Through physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, yoga lets us calm our minds and relax our bodies. By focusing on our breath and the present moment, we can let go of worries and anxieties that may be causing stress. The physical movements in yoga also release tension in our muscles and promote the release of endorphins.

Practising yoga encourages self-care and self-compassion, fostering a positive mindset and reducing the impact of stress on our overall well-being. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, incorporating yoga into your routine can be an excellent way to unwind and find balance amidst the demands of everyday life.

Limiting Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soft drinks, is a widely consumed psychoactive substance that can affect our bodies in various ways. Consuming caffeine stimulates our central nervous system, increasing alertness and temporarily warding off drowsiness.

A psychoactive substance is a type of chemical that can affect how our brains work, leading to changes in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. These substances can affect our mood, perception, and consciousness differently. They can either stimulate or depress our central nervous system, altering our brain activity. Examples of psychoactive substances include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. 

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However, excessive caffeine intake can have adverse effects, especially regarding stress. Caffeine triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can heighten our body’s stress response. If we reduce caffeine intake, we can help regulate our stress levels more effectively. Lowering caffeine consumption allows our bodies to maintain a state of calmness and reduces the risk of experiencing heightened stress reactions. So, one of the ways to manage stress is to consider limiting your caffeine intake for a more balanced and relaxed state of mind – though, if you’re a caffeine addict like me, it might be hard to do!

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups in your body. In doing this, PMR helps release muscle tension and promotes a deep state of relaxation. This technique is particularly effective in reducing stress because it targets both the physical and mental aspects of stress.

When we experience stress, our muscles tend to tighten up, leading to discomfort and further stress. PMR helps break this cycle by consciously tensing and releasing muscles, promoting relaxation and easing physical tension. Focusing on your body’s sensations during PMR can distract your mind from stressful thoughts, allowing you to achieve a calmer state of mind. Incorporating PMR into your daily routine can be valuable for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

Journaling

Journaling is an incredibly beneficial practice that can provide individuals with many positive outcomes. By writing down our thoughts and feelings, we can gain valuable perspective and reduce the emotional burden we may carry. Journaling serves as a safe space to unload our innermost thoughts and concerns, allowing us to reflect on them more objectively. This process helps us to identify patterns, triggers, and potential solutions to our challenges. Moreover, journaling promotes self-awareness and personal growth, encouraging honest introspection. So, whether you use it as a tool for stress management, self-reflection, or simply as a way to unwind, journaling can be a helpful companion on your journey towards emotional well-being.

Eating a balanced diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for our overall well-being and mental health. A balanced diet ensures that our bodies receive all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to function optimally. When we feel stressed, our bodies undergo a series of chemical reactions that can impact our mental state. A balanced diet helps regulate these reactions and provides the necessary fuel for our brains to function efficiently. Certain nutrients found in a balanced diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, have been linked to reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. So, by nourishing our bodies with a well-rounded diet, we can better equip ourselves to handle stress and support our mental well-being.

Having adequate sleep

Having adequate sleep is not just a luxury but a necessity, especially for stressed individuals. Sleep plays a crucial role in restoring and rejuvenating our body and mind, allowing us to function optimally during the day. When we sleep, our body repairs itself, replenishes energy levels and strengthens our immune system. Sleep is vital for proper cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional well-being. It helps regulate our mood and reduces the impact of stress on our mental health.

However, it is unfortunate that some stressed individuals struggle to fall asleep. To improve sleep quality, these individuals can try several techniques, such as:

• establishing a consistent sleep routine
• creating a peaceful sleep environment
• practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before bed
• avoiding stimulating activities or electronic devices close to bedtime
• and seeking professional help if needed.

Remember, prioritising sleep is essential for your overall well-being, and improving your sleep can lead to a more balanced and stress-free life.

Socialising

Socialising with friends and family is crucial in helping us overcome stress and improve our mental state. Engaging in social activities allows us to step away from our daily worries and immerse ourselves in the company of loved ones. This creates a supportive network that offers emotional comfort. Sharing our thoughts, experiences, and concerns with others helps alleviate stress by providing a sense of belonging, validation, and understanding. Additionally, socialising often involves engaging in enjoyable activities, which can release endorphins and boost our mood. Overall, taking the time to socialise with friends and family strengthens our relationships, contributes to our overall well-being, and helps us better manage and overcome stress in our lives.

Reduce Screen Time

Excessive screen time has been found to have various negative impacts on our mental well-being. Spending long hours engrossed in screens, whether it be computers, smartphones, or televisions, can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant exposure to social media, online gaming, and virtual interactions can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a decrease in genuine human connection.

However, there are several steps we can take to reduce our screen time and mitigate these effects. Creating a schedule that includes designated screen-free periods, engaging in offline hobbies and activities, and setting boundaries for ourselves and our families can all help in reducing screen time. By limiting our screen time, we can improve our mental health and overall well-being, fostering more meaningful connections and living a more balanced and fulfilled life.

Art and Creativity

Art and creativity have long been recognised as powerful tools for improving mental health. Engaging in artistic activities can provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of everyday life, allowing us to channel our emotions and thoughts in a positive and constructive manner. When we immerse ourselves in the creative process, whether it be painting, writing, or even dancing, we tap into our inner selves and give expression to our thoughts and feelings. This self-expression can be cathartic, releasing pent-up stress and anxiety.

Engaging in creative endeavours stimulates our brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which in turn promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being. By engaging our minds in artistic pursuits, we redirect our focus away from stressors, providing a welcome respite and promoting a healthier mental state. So, if you find yourself overwhelmed by stress, why not pick up a paintbrush, a pen, or even some clay and let your creativity flourish? You might find that art offers a therapeutic escape and a pathway to inner peace.

Dopamine is a chemical messenger in our brains that acts like a reward system. It makes us feel happy and satisfied when we achieve or experience something enjoyable. It is also involved in regulating our mood, attention, and movement. We may feel unmotivated or sad when dopamine levels are low, while high levels can make us feel excited and energised.

Being out in nature

There’s just something magical about immersing ourselves in the beauty of the natural world that instantly soothes our minds and bodies. Nature’s calming effect can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the peaceful and serene environment helps to reduce the noise and distractions that often contribute to our stress. Secondly, the presence of greenery and natural elements triggers a sense of awe and wonder, diverting our attention away from our worries and allowing us to experience a sense of tranquillity.

Additionally, exposure to sunlight and fresh air boosts our mood and increases the production of serotonin, a chemical in our brain responsible for regulating our emotions. So, whether it’s taking a leisurely walk in a park, hiking through a forest, or simply sitting by a lake, spending time in nature can be a powerful antidote to stress, leaving us feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face life’s challenges.

Limit News Intake

Distressing news can have a profound impact on our well-being. Constant exposure to negative stories, disasters, and conflicts can increase stress, anxiety, and depression. However, staying informed about current events without letting them overwhelm us is important.

By limiting our news intake, we can significantly reduce our stress levels. Instead of continuously tuning in to 24-hour news channels or scrolling through endless news feeds, we can opt for a more balanced approach. Setting specific time limits for news consumption, choosing reliable sources, and focusing on more positive and uplifting stories can help us stay informed without being consumed by distressing news. This way, we can take control of our mental well-being and maintain a healthier mindset.

Practise Mindfulness

Being mindful refers to intentionally bringing our attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. Incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives can be achieved through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying close attention to our daily activities.

Mindfulness helps us lower stress by allowing us to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. By cultivating this non-judgmental awareness, we become better equipped to handle stress and reduce its impact on our well-being. Through regular practice, mindfulness enables us to develop a healthier perspective on stress and respond to it more calmly and composedly.

Volunteering

Engaging in volunteering and assisting others can be a remarkable way to alleviate stress and enhance our overall well-being. When we selflessly contribute our time and energy to help those in need, it not only benefits the individuals we are supporting, but it also brings a sense of fulfilment and purpose to our own lives. Volunteering enables us to shift our focus away from our own stressors. It redirects it towards the needs of others, allowing us to gain a fresh perspective and a greater appreciation for what we have. Additionally, helping others fosters a sense of connection and community, which acts as a buffer against stress and promotes a positive mindset. By lending a helping hand, we not only make a difference in the lives of others but also in our own emotional well-being.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that utilises the power of scents to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. It involves using essential oils derived from plants, inhaling or applying them to the skin. These oils contain aromatic compounds that stimulate our olfactory system and have been found to have a positive impact on our emotions and mood. Some popular scents used in aromatherapy for stress relief include lavender, chamomile, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and rose. By incorporating aromatherapy into our daily routines, we can create a calming and soothing environment that helps us unwind and control stress more effectively.

In the table below, you’ll find some popular aromatherapy scents and how they can help us with stress-relief:

Aromatherapy Scent	Stress-Relief Benefits
Lavender	Calming and soothing, Reduces anxiety, Promotes relaxation
Eucalyptus	Clears the mind, Relieves mental fatigue, Eases breathing
Chamomile	Mild sedative effect, Promotes relaxation, Reduces tension
Peppermint	Invigorating and refreshing, Relieves headaches, Boosts focus
Rose	Uplifts mood, Eases emotional stress, Encourages self-love
Frankincense	Grounding and centering, Deepens meditation, Relieves anxiety
Bergamot	Alleviates mood swings, Promotes optimism, Reduces stress
Ylang-Ylang	Eases nervous tension, Enhances sensuality, Calms the mind
Lemon	Boosts mood and energy, Reduces mental fatigue, Relieves stress
Sandalwood	Promotes inner peace, Enhances mindfulness, Reduces anxiety

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on anxiety levels. While it may seem like a temporary solution to alleviate stress, alcohol ultimately makes anxiety worse. When we consume alcohol, it affects the levels of neurotransmitters in our brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood. This can lead to intensified feelings of anxiety and even trigger panic attacks in some individuals. Alcohol also disrupts our sleep patterns, impairs our ability to think, and can contribute to a vicious cycle of increased anxiety.

To limit our alcohol intake, it’s important to set clear boundaries and make conscious choices. We can start by understanding our triggers and finding alternative ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of friends and family who know our goals can also help keep us accountable. Remember, by reducing alcohol consumption, we allow ourselves to lower stress levels and cultivate a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining our well-being and reducing our stress levels effectively. Learning to say no and establishing limits in our interactions with others can profoundly impact our overall mental and emotional health. By clearly defining our boundaries, we communicate our needs, values, and limits to those around us, helping to prevent situations that may overwhelm or drain us. This not only protects our own well-being but also fosters healthier relationships built on respect and understanding. By effectively setting boundaries, we empower ourselves to prioritise self-care, reduce stress, and achieve a better work-life balance. Remember, setting boundaries is not selfish; it is an act of self-preservation and an investment in our own happiness and peace of mind.

The table below has some basic examples of how you might set boundaries in your own life:

Scenario	Setting Boundaries
Workplace	– Establish specific working hours and communicate them to your manager.
	– Politely decline work-related requests outside of those hours unless it’s an emergency.
	– Set limits on the number of additional tasks you can take on to maintain work-life balance.
Personal Relationships	– Clearly communicate your financial limits and expectations regarding borrowed money.
eg. borrowing money	– Set a rule that any borrowed money must be repaid within a specified timeframe.
	– Be prepared to say no if your friend continues to ask for money without respecting your boundaries.
Social Media	– Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your posts.
	– Politely ask the individual to refrain from sharing your content without your consent.
	– Consider unfriending or blocking them if they continue to violate your digital boundaries.

Use Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises such as Box Breathing and 4-7-8 breathing can help us manage stress and promote relaxation. Box breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths in and out, with equal counts for each phase. This technique helps regulate our breathing pattern and brings our focus to the present moment. This reduces feelings of anxiety and promotes a sense of calm.

On the other hand, 4-7-8 breathing requires inhaling through the nose for a count of 4, holding the breath for a count of 7, and exhaling through the mouth for a count of 8. This exercise stimulates the body’s relaxation response, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. By consciously controlling our breath, we can tap into our body’s natural relaxation mechanisms and alleviate stress in a simple yet effective way.

Listening to Music

Listening to music has long been recognised as a powerful tool to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. There are several reasons why music has this calming effect on us. Firstly, music has the ability to engage our emotions and evoke positive feelings. When we listen to our favourite tunes, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Music can also divert our attention away from stressors, allowing us to focus on soothing melodies and rhythms. It can also slow down our heart rate and breathing, promoting a state of deep relaxation. So, whether it’s a soft classical piece or an upbeat pop song, music has the remarkable ability to help us unwind and find tranquillity amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Laugh Out Loud

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. When we laugh, a series of positive physiological changes occur within us. Firstly, laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which instantly uplift our mood and promote a sense of happiness. Simultaneously, laughter stimulates our heart and lungs, increasing oxygen intake and improving blood circulation. This, in turn, boosts our immune system, enhancing our overall well-being. Also, laughing engages multiple muscle groups, providing a brief but effective workout for our diaphragm, abdomen, and facial muscles. These combined effects help alleviate stress, promote relaxation, reduce pain, and enhance our resilience in coping with daily challenges. So, the next time you find yourself stressed, don’t hesitate to laugh it out – while your stress might not disappear entirely, you might feel better about your situation.

Massage

While it may seem surprising that physical activity can have such a profound impact on our mental well-being, there are several reasons why massage does help. Firstly, massage helps to relax our muscles and release tension, which in turn reduces physical discomfort and pain. This physical relaxation signals our brain to release endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers and painkillers. Additionally, the soothing touch and gentle pressure during a massage stimulate the production of oxytocin, a hormone known for promoting feelings of relaxation and calmness. Moreover, the focused attention and nurturing environment provided by a massage session can help us disconnect from the hectic pace of everyday life, allowing our minds to unwind and find respite from stress. Overall, massage offers a holistic approach to stress relief by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of our well-being.

Spend Time With Pets

Whether it’s a cuddly cat or a playful dog, pets have a unique ability to provide comfort and support during challenging times. Numerous studies have shown that interacting with pets can help reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin. The simple act of stroking a pet’s fur or engaging in playtime can promote relaxation and distract our minds from the pressures of daily life.

Pets also offer unconditional love and companionship, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing loneliness or isolation. A further benefit, especially for dogs, is that we are more inclined to give them the exercise they need. This means heading outside where the exercise and fresh air combine to provide you with further ways to feel good. So, if you’re seeking a natural and enjoyable way to alleviate stress, consider spending quality time with your furry friends—they’re always ready to offer a calming presence and brighten your day!

Take a Warm Bath

Taking a bath can be an effective way to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. The warm water and soothing environment create a therapeutic experience, allowing our body and mind to unwind. Bathing helps reduce muscle tension and stimulate blood circulation, contributing to stress relief. Adding aromatic substances such as bath salts, essential oils, or bubble baths to the water can enhance relaxation. These fragrances can have a positive impact on our sense of smell, triggering certain emotions and promoting a calming effect. Whether it’s with the help of aromatic additives or simply the act of immersing ourselves in warm water, taking a bath can be a wonderful way to find relief from stress in a serene and tranquil setting.

Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are a way to assist individuals during times of stress by shifting their mindset and promoting a more positive outlook. By repeating positive statements or phrases, individuals can rewire their thoughts and beliefs. This can lead to increased self-confidence, motivation, and resilience. These affirmations serve as a reminder of one’s capabilities and strengths, helping to alleviate any self-doubt and anxiety we have. Examples of positive affirmations include statements like “I am capable of handling any challenges that come my way” or “I am deserving of success and happiness.” Try incorporating a positive affirmation into your routine – it may help you gain a more positive mindset and navigate a stressful situation more easily.

Mindful Walking

Mindful walking refers to the practice of walking with full awareness and attentiveness to the present moment. It involves focusing on each step, the movement of our bodies, the sensations of our feet touching the ground, and the surrounding environment. Ideally, you’ll find a quiet place to try this. This practice can help us deal with stress by allowing us to disconnect from our racing thoughts and bring our attention to the present. By cultivating mindfulness during walking, we can create a space of calmness and clarity, enabling us to let go of stress and anxiety. Engaging in regular mindful walking can help reduce stress levels, improve our mood, increase our ability to focus, and provide a much-needed break from the demands of daily life.

How does mindful walking differ from mindfulness?

Mindful walking is a specific form of mindfulness practice that involves paying close attention to the physical act of walking. In contrast, mindfulness is a broader concept that encompasses being fully present and aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental manner, mindful walking hones in on the sensations and movements associated with walking. By focusing on each step, the feeling of the ground beneath our feet, and the rhythm of our breath, mindful walking allows us to cultivate a deeper connection with our bodies and the present moment. It can be a wonderful way to enhance our overall mindfulness practice and bring a sense of calm and groundedness to our daily walks or exercise routines.

What are some types of stress reduction techniques I can try at work?

Finding effective stress reduction techniques can greatly improve your work productivity and overall well-being. Here are a few techniques you can try at work to help reduce stress levels. First, deep breathing exercises can be done discreetly at your desk to calm your mind and body instantly. Additionally, taking short walks during your breaks can help clear your head and provide a change of scenery. Engaging in mindfulness or meditation exercises for a few minutes daily can help you stay focused and reduce stress. Finally, remember to prioritise self-care by incorporating small moments of relaxation, such as listening to calming music or practising gratitude, into your work routine.

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

If you get to the point where you’ve tried some stress reduction techniques, but they’re not working for you, or you feel overwhelmed, it’s best to see a trained professional. This person will help locate your stress source and suggest some practices to alleviate your troubles. Whether it’s a work issue, a problem at home, or you’re having relationship troubles, be assured that you can get through it, and there is always someone you can talk to.