The first real step in battling stress is to acknowledge that one is stressed. Are you? The majority of people do not realize just how stressed they actually are, nor do they know the tell tale signs of stress. Some of the tell tale signs of stress include:

 This list of course is not conclusive nor is it to be used as a guide to diagnosis it is merely a gauge to see if you are exhibiting any of the above classic indicators of stress. Now if you are showing signs of stress then it truly is in your best interest to take the first step and recognize and acknowledge that you are stressed. Sit down with a pad and a pen and your loved one; make a list of the things that are causing you undue or increased stress. Recognition is a huge step. Now that you can simply look at what is getting you all stressed out you can look at ways to manage or change those pesky stressors. So now make a list of what you are doing to manage your stress. Some key ideas in managing your stress include:

1. Getting enough sleep at least 7 hours a night.
2. Eating a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and a balanced meal three times daily.
3. Getting plenty of cardiovascular exercise; current recommendations are to get at least 3 days a week of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise in which you cannot hold a conversation while completing.
4. Spend some quiet time like Yoga or meditation at least 1 hour per week. Some people could benefit from more.
5. Get treated with acupuncture. Recent research shows that Acupuncture actually decreases in a measurable manner the chemicals released in the body during stress and allows the body to heal and to recover with greater speed and health.
6. Take your B vitamins and your fish oils. Both of these key nutrients are specifically involved in helping your body cope and manage stress.
7. Plan a vacation. Simply having something to look forward to can help brighten up every day.
8. Make a point to do something for someone else every day. The simple act of compassion allows you to feel as though you are giving to the community and mankind in general.
9. Make a list of the top ten or five things that you are truly thankful for. Positive Psychology suggests that it is impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time.
10. If need be it might be necessary for you to stop something that is truly causing you undue stress and years off of your life. In the long run is it really worth it to be miserable for any amount of time?