We all have things that we stress over. Some things can be changed. Some thing can not be changed. What can be changed is the way we handle the stress we allow these things to cause us. Stress is a part of life. Feeling stressed doesn’t have to be. Listed are some ways to help you reduce your stress.

Stop thinking so much. If we spend too much time thinking about the things that stress us out, it is only going to make things worse. Instead of thinking, find something else for your mind to do. Try turning on some music or reading a book. It will help take the focus off what is stressing you and on to something more enjoyable.

Start a journal or blog. Many find it difficult to talk to others about what is bothering them. One way to get things off your chest is to keep a journal or blog. When something is bothering you write it in your journal or post it in your blog. Even talking about every day things will give you something to look back on in the future.

Learn meditation. Meditation can take as little as 60 seconds to help you reduce your stress. Quietly concentrate on your breathing, feeling your breathe flow freely through your nose. Imagine the tension in your face, neck and shoulders evaporating into the air never to be felt again. Let the stresses of the day fade away into the past and leave them there.

Smile. It is amazing what a smile can do to brighten your day. Remind yourself to smile. Make it a point to smile at no less than 4 people every day. Not only will it brighten your day, but it will brighten theirs as well.

Laugh. Find something to laugh about every day, even if you have to laugh at yourself. Look up a joke online. Make a funny face at yourself in the mirror. Watch a funny movie. If you can’t find anything funny, laugh at nothing. You will be surprised at how catching it can be.

Exercise. Working out is not only good for our bodies but also for our minds and spirits. We can focus on the exercise and allow it to take our mind of the things that stress us. Regular exercise can also give us more energy and allows us to sleep better at night.

Take a nap. Taking a nap allows us to stop thinking about all the things that are bothering us. It gives our mind a rest and lets our bodies reset. When we wake up from a nap we are refreshed and ready to tackle the world yet again.