'Stress stoppers' can calm you down

The next time you feel you're under too much stress, the American Heart Association offers these "emergency stress stoppers" to help calm you down:

·         - Before you begin to speak, count to 10 and take several deep breaths.

·         - Walk away from whatever is stressful, and decide to return to it later.

·         - If there's a big problem, break it down into smaller problems that are easier to address individually.

·         - Take a walk. If you’re driving, stay in the slow lane, away from heavy traffic.

·         -  If you've made a mistake, say you're sorry.

·         - If you're repeatedly stressed about being late, set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead.

·         - Do something to make yourself happy, such as hugging, smelling a flower or giving someone a smile.