The right amount of stress makes life interesting… and helps you feel productive; too much can drag you down. Learn positive ways to cope with everyday stressors to feel and perform your best. Before stress gets out of hand, try these ideas:

• Distract yourself with a pleasant activity — reading, talking to a friend, or meditating can help clear your mind
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, and stick to the same sleep schedule even on weekends
• Set priorities for what’s really important and deal with that first — little things can wait
• Identify the source of your stress, then remind yourself your response is up to you; ask yourself what’s at stake if you don’t let it bother you
• Avoid self-medicating with food or alcohol
• Exercise in a new place or try a different healthy recipe.

Stress can’t be avoided, but it can be managed. Finding the coping technique that works best for you will contribute to good mental and physical health.