Just relax. What is it about that well-intended advice-usually suggested when your're tearing your hair out-that make you do just the opposite? Being told to relax is the quickest way to make someone more tense. You can choose to relax and you should know that your continued good health depends upon it. Here are 6 easy ways to relax.

MANAGE YOUR TEMPER

We've all been there. Something or someone sets you off, tempers flare, arguing begins, and nobody listens to the other side. You can make a choice: Raise your voice or step back and calm yourself before you react. Anger is stressful and usually unproductive. So the next time you're feeling steamed, try a different technique. Step back and disengage from the situation. Stop talking and breathe consciously and deeply. Take a few moments to conjure up a memory of something you appreciate. With a calm mind and peaceful approach just do what seems right. You'll most likely find that you will settle down and talk through the situation more calmly.

BREATHE IN LIFE

Have you ever closely watched babies breathe? Their whole bodies fill with air. Most of us don't breathe that way. As we get older we tend to breathe more shallowly in response to stress and worry. Its a learned response and most of the time we don't even know we are doing it. Take a 5 minute breathing break every day to profoundly relax and reconnect. Close your eyes and take long deep breaths. Its simple, powerful and very healing.

RUB OUT YOUR WORRIES

If you;ve ever rubbed your head to ease a headache, you've practiced acupressure without realizing it. Acupressure is an ancient healing art to promote relaxation.

Hands To release stress and strain, start by rubbing your palms together in a circular motion. Then lace your fingers together and knead the backs of your hands with your fingertips. Use your thumbs to knead your palms.

Head Start by moving your hands from your chin to your cheeks, using a circular motion as though you're wash your face without soap. Guide your fingers to your temples and rub gently. Move to the back of your head and start to massage, working your fingers upward to the top of your head.

Feet It's easy to massage your own feet it you can't find a willing partner. Find a comfortable chair and rest one foot on your knee. Rub the entire bottom of your foot from heel to toe in a circular motion. Repeaton the other foot.

STOP BAD THOUGHTS

When problems pile up it's hard to relax and turn your mind off. You have to answer the problems in your mind by deleting them. Bring up the problems of the day and dismiss them with a positive statement. Don't think about the specifics. A quick answer is all you need for now. Clear the problems and make them neutral so your mind can rest.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Nothing is worst than waking up tired and feeling overwhelmed before you start the day. Take some time to unwind. Soak in a hot tub with some candles and soothing music or curl up with a good book to relax.

STOP OVER SCHEDULING

Sometimes we create undue stress in our lives by trying to do too much. We think that we need to be busy to be happy. Its okay to say no to the people who demand too much and take time for ourselves to figure out what we enjoy in life.