If you are anything like millions of other people on this planet, chances are that at any given time you are dealing with a fair amount of stress. While it is impossible to remove all stress completely from your life, there are things that you can do to deal more effectively with its' presence and thereby reduce its' negative effects. Some of these things are very simple yet the benefit they provide can be significant.

Get in tune with yourself for a moment. What makes you happy? Do you love flowers? If so, on particularly stressful days buy a small bunch (or a large bunch!) and place them in a spot where you can see them throughout the day. Smile each time you notice them. A smile is a serious stress buster.

Take a minute to tell someone that you appreciate them. Write a note expressing your love and gratitude to someone dear to you. Give someone a hug or a pat on the back, and remember to share that all-important smile. Consider the beauty of the day. Whether blue skies, rain showers or patterned snowflakes. Relax. Breath it all in.

Find some time for a soothing hot drink or a relaxing soak in a tub full of bubbles. Light a scented candle, build a fire in the fireplace (gas logs are great too). Get lost in a good book. Take a walk in the park. Find time for exercise, another great stress buster. Allow yourself plenty of time for sleep. Lack of sleep negatively impacts almost everything else you do. Do one or all of these suggestions and you will feel the difference. Oh yes, and remember to smile.