Stress is an inescapable part of modern life. But you can change the way you react to it. The following suggestions for stress reduction will help you relax and enjoy life. As a dividend, you'll be more productive, so you'll create less stress for yourself in the future.

	"Difficulties mastered are opportunities won." Winston Churchill

1. Laugh. Laughter is one of the best tension releasers there is. Find things to laugh about and people to laugh with. Laughter is a great antidote for taking life too seriously.

2. Take Breaks. Learning to interrupt a stress producing activity will help give you the break from tension that you need. You'll return to your activity refreshed and ready to be more productive.

3. Make "Happy" Plans. Anticipation is an exciting feeling. Plan to see a special movie, eat out with someone you like, or do something else that pleases you.

4. Focus Your Thoughts. The habit of thinking about too many things at the same time is extremely fatiguing and stress producing. Instead of being overwhelmed and unproductive, concentrate on one task at a time. Try making a list of other things you must do, and then put it aside, so that you don't have to think about them, but you won't worry about forgetting them either.

5. Check Yourself. Stop to see if you are relaxed. Are your hands clenched? Is your jaw tight? Such tension will begin to spread throughout your body, so catch it early. Let your arms hang loosely, unwrinkle your brow, relax your mouth, and breathe deeply.

6. Tackle the Hardest Jobs First. This will give you a sense of tremendous accomplishment, and provide momentum for finishing your other tasks. The pleasant things you must do will make your final hours at work enjoyable, if saved until last.

8. Move. Speed up your body action by moving to music, stretching, or jogging. Movement helps eliminate pent-up stress by aiding the removal of chemicals that stress produces and which make you feel bad.

9. Manage Your Time. Use a plan of action. Schedule only as many tasks each day as you can reasonably finish without pressure. Leave time in your schedule for the unexpected.

10. Help Someone and Smile. Lending a helping hand or smiling can do what other methods of relaxation can't do-they give you a wonderful feeling of happiness and well-being.

11. Enjoy Yourself Now. Stop whatever you're doing and delight in being alive. Sense the physical processes inside you, the good in people around you, and the beauty of the world you live in.