Often it can feel as if you are carrying all the worries of the world on your shoulders. This can lead to an unbearable emotional strain. That’s the weight of stress, and at that point you need effective ways to rid yourself of that stress, and to start to feel better.

Try to pay attention to instructions. Avoid unnecessary stress by making sure you understand instructions when they are given. For example, pay attention when your boss gives you instructions, when your doctor gives you advice, or when your teacher or tutor teaches you something.

Stroking your pet cat or dog can help to relieve stress. Research has shown that people who share their lives with pets are happier and experience less stress. The animals also love attention and then you also reap benefits.

Rather than taking on more than you can handle, simply learn to say “no.” Don’t commit to more obligations than you can handle. You’ll only stress yourself out trying to do the impossible. If you’re worried about pleasing your friends, family or co-workers, remember that if you’re unable to do what you said you’d do because of stretching yourself too thin, you’ll end up upsetting or disappointing them as well as stressing yourself out.

Mentally picture some positive things to rid yourself of stress. Studies indicate that the use of visual images can produce a very calming effect, resulting in a significant reduction of stress for those who try it. Picture yourself enjoying a sunny beach, sitting in a field of flowers or soaking in a jacuzzi to remove yourself from the immediate affects of a stressful environment. Just shut your eyes and go to your happy places for a few minutes! Your stress levels should drop significantly – even with sometime so simple.

Snacks can even beneficially impact your state of mind. Foods that contain carbs help you synthesize serotonin, which will make you feel happy. You may have to watch carbohydrate intake because of your diet, but a whole grain bagel or a small slice of cake might be just the thing to stave off stress for a little bit.

When you need to purchase lotion or shampoo, buy some that smell really good. If you like your scent during your day, you can feel a bit better about yourself and you can combat your stress better. Invest in body sprays and lotions to improve your frame of mind.

Working out is a great way to release stress when it becomes more than you feel you can handle. You can relieve stress by doing something as simple as taking a walk.

Drink some juice or eat food that is citrus based to stay calm. Vitamin C also fights off mild, stressful illnesses like colds and coughs.

You should avoid thinking about your stress as such. If you envision yourself being hungry, you can convince your body that you are famished, this same theory holds out for being stressed. Using the word, either out loud or in your head, will just make you more stressed, so find a substitute and use it instead.

Some people, when they get stressed out, end up turning to drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, the temporary relief these substances may bring can lead to a denial or evasion of the underlying causes of the stress that is being felt. Drugs and alcohol will not resolve your difficulties. These kind of products will only serve to cause more issues in the long run.

You don’t have to take on the weight of the world. This article has given you some great suggestions for fighting off the stress. You need to apply these methods to start seeing your stress level lower.