Stressed out? Sleep on it.

Today's society puts pressure on us all. Why is it, then, that Mr. Chillax over there is calm as can be, while I'm freaking out. Stress can seem unavoidable, but, in fact, can be reduced by making a few lifestyle and attitude changes. Why does it matter if I'm stressed or not in the first place? Well, anxiety, depression, heart attack, stroke, weight gain/loss, difficulty concentrating/remembering, headaches and other tension, and gastrointestinal disorders are all adverse effects of stress. So, yes, it might be worth your time to work towards reducing your stress levels. Here are some suggestions as to how to go about doing that:

• GET MORE SLEEP. The majority of us need 8 hours of sleep a night, and without it, you won't be as apt to function and handle stress properly. We've all had those moments where, after a sleepless night, we are overwhelmed and just 'snap'.
• Avoid the stressful situation. Although not always possible, certain circumstances put us under unnecessary strain (like the stress of the upcoming marathon for charity your overly energetic sister-in-law guilted you into..you can barely run 3 miles let alone 26.2 or the ridiculously fancy brunch you agreed to single-handedly run for the PTA parents while your significant other is on a business trip). I have the problem too..we have to learn to "just say no".
• Procrastination = Doom. Don't do that powerpoint presentation at 2am the day it's due! Spare yourself.
• Let it out. If you can't let it go on your own, talk about it to a confidante or therapist. It feels great to vent and you often can realize whether you're being rational or not once you've voiced your complaint aloud.
• Do something you love. You deserve some you time. It's for your health. Take a bath, read a book, watch a movie, walk around the block a few times, sprint to your absolute favorite jam, etc. etc. etc.

In the end, it's your life, and you should be enjoying it. Don't let social pressures guide your decisions. Take charge and be happy.