10. Be Realistic. If you are taking on more responsibility than you can handle, rank the activities you are involved with and drop those which are unnecessary.

9. Drop the “superman/superwoman” mentality. Nobody is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

8. Reflect. Take time out to collect your thoughts. Personal reflection in the form of meditation, prayer or other ways can reduce .

7. Plan ahead. Feeling unprepared or scrambling to do something in the last minute can be stressful.

6. Exercise. Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress, increase self-esteem, boost energy levels, and improve concentration.

5. Healthy lifestyle. Eat a well-balanced diet, and limit your use of caffeine and . Make sure you are getting enough sleep to feel refreshed and energized.

4. Share your . Talking to a friend or member about problems in your life can help you organize your thoughts and get support for your .

3. Hobbies. Take a break from stressful situations by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, gardening, or cooking, make time to relax and do something you like.

2. Be flexible. Respect other people’s opinions and be prepared to compromise. If you are willing to give a little, others may meet you halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to your problems.

1. Take one thing at a time. When people are under stress, an average workload can seem overwhelming. The best way to handle this feeling is to take one task at a time. Pick one project and on it. Once you finish it, choose the next one. The feeling of accomplishment will encourage you to keep going.

Source: www.mpoweryouth.org