stress is a word that most of us use with regularity to describe our state of mind or the current state of our lives but what does it really mean stress is an adaptive and natural state of being that works to activate our physiology when we are faced with a situation that requires action that being said being in a prolonged state of stress is toxic to our body and mind and can significantly reduce our quality of life and sense of well-being this state of toxic stress has serious health consequences contributing greatly to conditions like high blood pressure obesity heart disease headaches chronic fatigue and gastrointestinal problems prolonged stress also leads to mental health problems like depression anxiety mood instability anger and difficulty sleeping the good news is that with practice we can learn to reduce stress and change how we respond to stressful events here are a few tips for how to reduce and better manage the stress in your life get moving research tells us that one of the best stress relievers available is exercise the endorphins released during exercise act to calm our nervous system just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity reduces stress and improves physical and mental health make a list often stress comes from feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done writing a list helps us prioritize the things that need to get done first don't be too hard on yourself except that you can't do everything perfectly and that many things in your life are out of your control and don't forget to keep up your sense of humor laughter goes a long way towards making you feel relaxed breathe take a few minutes and find a quiet place sit close your eyes notice your breath breathe deeply and slowly allowing your lungs to fill and empty completely talk to someone often just talking about the things that are bothering you and realizing that that you are not alone can provide significant relief eat well a healthy and balanced diet with a good dose of fruits and vegetables improves our mood and prepares our mind and bodies to handle the stressors that life inevitably deals us with a little practice and consistency we can all learn to reduce and manage our stress and improve our overall health and [Music] wellness