Stress, like water, seems to seep into every level of our life.  “What makes it worse, it’s very unhealthy says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  In fact it’s so dangerous stress needs to be addressed and reduced.”  No worries here as April is “National Stress Awareness month.”  You may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate!

First, learn how to say “no.”  Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or professional life, taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.  Avoid people who stress you out.  If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship.  If traffic gets you uptight, give yourself more time.

If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. Be open-minded and compromise. When you ask someone to change their behavior, be willing to do the same. Poor time management can cause a lot of stress.  You can practice breathing, yoga or other relaxation techniques.  Treat yourself and get away.  I personally like The Chateau at Lake La Quinta.  It truly is a relaxing sanctuary where you can enjoy a lake in the desert and feel removed from it all.

I wish I could cover all your stressors and provide remedies, but I’m actually better at putting fires out.  So for additional stress reduction information visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/17/reduce-stress-research_n_2884876.html or contact a licensed qualified therapist.

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Remember, relax… life is short – Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna