(Stress Management Health Center, 2008) Also stated as methods used for relaxation are: (1) physical activity; (2) doing something one enjoys and (3) body-centered relaxation. (Stress Management Health Center, 2008) Body-centered relaxation may include breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, aromatherapy and Yoga. Also stated to be effective is 'Magnetic Field Therapy' although there is some disagreement about the use of this type of therapy for stress-relief.

III. STRESS PREVENTION

Primary among stress-related coping skills is that of knowing how to avoid potentially stress-producing situations and knowing how to reduce the negative reactions one experiences due to stress. Time management skills are 'key' toward stress avoidance and reduction. For instance, one can save time through task delegations and by setting aside personal time for themselves. Prioritization of tasks according to their importance and management of commitments are also 'key' components of effective stress management. Lifestyle choices also affect ones' ability to cope with stress. One should attempt to: (1) balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations; (2) have a sense of purpose in life; (3) get plenty of sleep because this is the body's way of recovering from daily stress; (4) eat a balanced and healthy diet which provides another form of defense against the impacts of stress; (5) get moderate exercise throughout the week; (6) limit alcohol consumption; and (7) don't smoke. (Stress Management Health Center, 2007)

Also important for coping with stress is the amount of social support that one receives from friends, family and the community. The work of Quick et al. (1996) entitled: Social Support,...

Social support may be gained from: (1) family members and friends; (2) programs offered by the school or employment; (3) colleagues at work or others one interacts with in life; (4) a professional counselor; (5) members of leaders of church or religious organizations; and (5) support groups.
SUMMARY and CONCLUSION

This work in writing has offered various tips and techniques for coping with stress and has related that not only are stressors experienced by individuals different but as well individuals react and cope with stress differently. It is important that the individual identify situations and conditions under which their own personal stress is increased and that the individual devise an effective plan in assisting them in coping with and reducing stress in their life.

Bibliography

Tips for Coping with Stress (2008) Mayo Clinic. Online available at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/coping-with-stress/SR00030

Stress Management - Relieving Stress (2008) Stress Management Health Center. WebMD. Online available at http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-relieving-stress

Stress Management - Avoiding Unnecessary Stress (2008) Stress Management Health Center WebMD Online available at http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-avoiding-unnecessary-stress

Quick JD, et al. (1996). Social support, secure attachments, and health. In CL Cooper, ed., Handbook of Stress, Medicine, and Health, pp. 269-287. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Grohol, John M.…