We all have stress triggers. For some it is getting stuck in traffic jams. For others it’s the chattering of co-workers. And then let’s not forget everything that is associated with maintaining a happy, healthy household. If stress is left unchecked and allowed to continually manifest itself, it can become the root of all evil. In this case, evil is a wide range of potential health issues from sleepless nights to outbreaks of hives to even more serious heart conditions. Yes, a person can actually work themselves right up to a stress heart attack.

Stress triggers often show up as a result of our external life. You really can’t control the long line at the post office. But you can control how it affects you. The goal is to find a way to achieve a sort of mental equilibrium. The best option for this is exercise. This doesn’t mean if you get stuck in traffic that you should pull over and jog around your car. But a decent and ongoing exercise regime helps get your physical body in line which in turn helps get your mental health in line.

After working on your physical body, turn inwards with a dedicated relaxation or meditation program. You can certainly relax by kicking back in your comfy easy chair and watching your favorite TV program but in some cases that can cause the blood to race especially if you’re cheering on a local team or following the news.

The best form of relaxation is to cut yourself off from outside influences like noise, phone calls or conversation. You want to find a quiet spot for some valuable alone time. Sitting peacefully for twenty to thirty minutes can help slow down your mind. This dedication can lead to actual meditation where you can develop the skills to shut down and focus on the silence. These sessions can prove to be extremely soothing and can provide you with the ability to recall these moments in times of stress.