Have you heard the phrase "stress leads to stress leads to more stress leads to more stress leads to depression"? I have. It's stressful I tell you specially when you're reviewing for the board exams. But it also reminds me that this stress, if not helped, can lead to more serious conditions. Hypertension, Peptic Ulcer, Bolimia, and some cancers have stress as one of its common denominator.

So, the question is "how do I deal with it?" Here are some tips to fight stress:

1. Know what is causing your stress. Pain could be one. Or too much work. My board exam at that time.

2. If it is possible, eliminate whatever is causing your stress. If for instance your stressor comes from a financial difficulty, you may try to decrease spending, or perhaps do an alternative like buying clothes every other month instead of every month, or perhaps buying a cheaper brand of shoes, or having a garage sale, etc. As for me, I

3. Relax. That easier said than done right? but here are some ways for you to have the much needed rest:

a. Breathing exercises. Take a deep breaths through the nose. hold your breath for about 3 to 4 seconds. Release it slowly through your pursed lips, taking a longer time exhaling than inhaling.

b. Try some gentle aromatherapy massage in a dimly lit room and play some soft music. Combine eucalyptus with lavender and peppermint for a more soothing effect. apply some of these oils on your pillows and on the bed. But don't use to much of it. A strong smell will not be of any help to you.

c. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

with eyes closed, lie (or sit) comfortably. Tense the muscles on your forehead and relax it slowly,feeling how the body part getting really heavy. Then, relax all your muscles gradually working on from your forehead down to your toes feeling the tension move away. breathe slowly as you do this.

d. Guided Imagery

Imagine anything that makes you feel relaxed. As for me, I prefer to imagine myself in a hammock in yosemite park, with a gentle, cool breeze and the sound of chirping birds. Alternatively, you can picture yourself on the beach or a meadow, or somewhere you like.

e. Distract yourself from your stress.

You can do something else that will keep your mind away from the cause of your stress. You may dance or sing, or read, or listen to a favorite soft music, or look at pictures of you when you were little, etc. Drawing is a good form of relaxation.

f. sleep. put your mind in a relaxed state and get some rest. Count sheep, but do it slowly.

I hope this helps.