Exercise
Make a conscious effort to maintain a regular work-out schedule. The first thing many of us give up when we become busy is time at the gym. It's important to keep visiting the gym or to start visiting the gym in order to adequately manage stress. Some basic guidelines for exercising include:

•		A warm-up before you exercise.
•		Exercise 3-5 days a week.
•		Exercise for at least 20 minutes.
•		Allow time to cool down and stretch after exercise is completed.

Exercise can be great for relieving stress and may help you get a better night's sleep, which is often nature's best stress-reducer.

Those who exercise feel more energetic because exercise increases blood flow to the muscles and brain and releases energizing hormones called endorphins, making you feel well-balanced. According to Dr. C. W Smith at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, "Exercise should be part of everyone's lifestyle."

Your body gets tired when you are stressed and becomes fatigued. Instead of laying down for a nap, go out and walk around the block or better yet hit the gym!

Eating Well to Reduce Stress
Nutrition is a key factor in maintaining physical and mental health. Following are a few steps you can take to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

•		Eat breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day! A light breakfast of fruits and grains will help kick-start your body for the coming day.
•		Select one meal a day with meats, or low-fat dairy and at least two to three servings of fruits vegetables, and grains to meet your recommended daily dose of vitamins.
•		Limit caffeinated beverages to three servings or less. Caffeine gives you energy, but it is short lived. Once caffeine leaves your system you become groggy. Drink water instead.
•		Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day. Small meals increase your metabolism and help you feel energized and satisfied throughout the day. Also, foods high in carbohydrates ward off tension, as well as hunger. Next time you need a snack check out some of the energy bars on the market. Read the labels carefully and chose the ones high in protein and carbohydrates.
•		Eat a low-fat lunch that contains a mixture of protein and carbohydrates. Proteins and carbohydrates, such as red meat and pasta, will give you the energy you need to make it through the rest of the day.
•		Do not overeat in the evening and avoid excessive snacking after dinner. If you are hungry grab a light snack of popcorn, fruits or vegetables.
•		Avoid severe calorie-restricted diets. Bodies respond to the reduction in calories as if they are starving, making you tired.
•		Drink water. When your body gets dehydrated your heart is forced to pump faster taking away your energy. Eight 12-ounce glasses of water is the recommend amount per day.
•		Avoid alcohol consumption or limit your intake to no more than five drinks a week. Alcohol dehydrates your body and slows down your metabolism, which in turns slows you down.

The more of these tips you can follow the better you will feel. Try to begin with one tip a day and before you know it, you'll be living a stress-free lifestyle.