This document discusses various ways to manage and relieve stress. It notes that stress can be caused by major or minor life events and is a personal experience. While the amount of stress cannot be fully controlled, the document outlines several strategies for relieving stress, including writing, expressing feelings to others, mindfulness activities, physical activity, relaxation techniques, and doing enjoyable activities. The overall message is that using both mental and physical approaches can help reduce stress and improve health and quality of life.

1. Stress Management Understanding and relieving stress

2. What causes stress Everyone experiences stress. Stress can be major (such as a health or relationship problem) or it can be minor (change in weather, increased household duties). It is an entirely personal thing. No one can determine how stressed you are, or whether you have a right to be stressed. You choose whether to retain the stress, or whether you want to relieve it.

3. Relieving stress Although you cannot control the amount of stress in your life, you can relieve the stress. There are many ways to relieve stress.

4. Writing Keeping a journal or just writing things down will help you to relieve your stress and to work towards a solution. Begin to write about what is causing your stress and anxiety. As you read what you have written, you may begin to notice the source of the stress, and may learn how to cope with it.

5. Expressing your feelings It is sometimes difficult to tell people that you are under stress, especially if these same people may be the source of your stress. However, realizing that you have these feelings, and then using your friends and relatives to help you work through them will help the healing process.

6. Mindfulness activities A mindful activity is one in which you concentrate fully on what is being done. Often, these techniques can be learned by trained instructors (self-hypnosis, autogenic training). More simple is the process of focusing your attention on the here and now. Avoid thinking about the past or future as you concentrate on the present, breathing in a relaxed manner.

7. Relaxing your body A key to relieving stress is in relieving the tension in the body. There are many ways to achieve this.

8. Physical activity Research confirms what many people have found by personal experience. Exercise can reduce stress. Aerobic exercise (continuous movement that increases the heart rate) is especially useful. Active chores like house cleaning or yard work can also improve conditions. Stretching is a great way to relieve stress.

9. Do something fun When the stress of everyday work and responsibilities get you down, consider doing something fun. Play cards, or join a book club. Go to a movie. Do some volunteer work . Play with your pets. Make time to do something fun each day.

10. Body centered relaxation Like mindful activities, body centered relaxation uses the brain to help relax the body. It also relies on relaxed, deep breathing techniques. Some body centered relaxation skills include breathing exercises, massage, yoga, tai chi, and progressive muscle relaxation.

11. Bottom line Relieve stress by using your mind (writing, talking about it, practicing mindful activities) and/or by using your body (activity, doing something you enjoy, body centered relaxation). By relieving your stress, you will enjoy life more, and become more healthy at the same time. Reference: http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-relieving-stress