Learning to avoid unnecessary stress is a vital part of having a healthy, happy life! Here are some tips to help you do just that! Before you take steps to avoid stress, you need to first pinpoint what is CAUSING you undue stress. This isn't always as easy as it sounds, which is why it can help to begin keeping a stress journal. In the journal, begin writing down the times you feel stressed and what you believe caused the emotion. Then, record what you did to deal with the situation. By doing this regularly, you'll find that a stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life, some of which you may be able to avoid simply by controlling your environment. This can be as easy as cutting off ties with someone who puts you on edge, or avoiding hot-button topics like politics or religion. It may also include making small changes, like turning off the television when the news is overwhelming or not answering work emails after dinnertime. Controlling your environment is important, but so is controlling your time! Time management helps YOU decide which things are pressing and which can be moved to the bottom of your list or OFF your list completely! Executed effectively, time management allows you to do more of the things that you want to do! Similarly, managing your time allows you to find a balance between your personal and work life. That's good news, since the support and love that comes with a solid personal life is one of the best defenses against stress. Yet another way to avoid stress is to learn how to firmly and politely say, "No." Whether it's in your personal or professional life, taking on too much is a surefire road to tension, which is why such assertive communication is vital! And never underestimate the power of healthy lifestyle changes, like getting plenty of sleep, exercising several times a week, and adopting healthy eating habits. These seemingly simple adjustments will play a huge roll in your ability to cope with stress. You'll never be able to avoid ALL stressors. But with these simple tips, you WILL be able to sidestep many of them!