If you are feeling stressed and would like to take some action on your own, here are some tips for getting your mind and body to relax. Remember, if you have heart disease, you may want to get involved in a more formal program of stress reduction.

• Be aware of stressful situations and your reactions to them. Often we react to stress by tensing, breathing shallowly, and becoming angry or hostile. If we are aware of our bodies and stress, we can take action to relax.
• Learn ways to communicate your frustrations to others. Bottled-up emotions need an outlet. If they are not addressed, they could manifest themselves in physical symptoms.
• Eliminate or significantly reduce use of substances that can contribute to your stress response. These include: caffeine, large doses of alcohol, cigarettes, and processed sugar.
• Learn to stretch your tight muscles when you become stressed or tense. This may involve simple shoulder and neck rolls, or a more intensive program of stretching, such as yoga.
• Relax and connect to your inner-self through meditation. This can help you to relax, feel more rested, and manage stress more effectively.
• Look into learning visualization or guided imagery techniques. This is often used by athletes to relax and prepare mentally for a hard race. Try it before a big business presentation or an encounter with a difficult in-law.
• To round out the rest of your eating plan:
• Pamper yourself. Don't forget to set time aside for yourself. Do some gardening, soak in a bath, read a good book, or do some other activity that you really enjoy.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise causes your brain to make substances that help you relax and feel better