How well do you manage stress in your life? Here are some tips to help you deal with stress in a healthy and effective way:

• Effective time management, planning and organisation
• Relax – have breaks during the day, especially at work
• Accept your circumstances and do not compare yourself to another individual – you are unique
• Exercise - the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA recommends that an adult exercise at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes
• Reduce excess weight – follow a healthy well balanced eating plan
• Drink lots of water
• Develop a positive outlook – confess positive affirmations
• Set boundaries in your life
• Develop routine and structure
• Sleep for at least 6 hours
• Avoid addictions i.e. TV, drug, alcohol, etc.
• Try aromatherapy or massages
• Have realistic goals
• Don’t be a people pleaser – learn to say NO
• Recognise what you can change – don’t waste time with the “if only’s”, the past is the past
• Have a great support network (friends)

The more you can do to find healthy ways of managing stress today, the better your life and heart will be.

- (The Heart and Stroke Foundation, August 2010)