Stress is a feeling caused by the release of hormones in the brain, and it is completely natural. Difficult situations and emotions are often triggers for stress. When you learn to recognize the situations that lead to stress, you can learn to control them.

Being able to visualize calming imagery can help you deal with stress when it threatens to overwhelm you. Try to imagine a sensation of relaxation pulsing through your body. You could also shut your eyes and then breathe slowly while thinking about a calm scene, such as walking through a meadow or laying on the beach.

Make a list of your stressors and number them from one to ten according to the amount of stress they cause you. If at one on the scale there means only minor problems, a ten then indictaes major problems. This exercise can help you to not sweat the small stuff.…