"There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full."

Henry Kissinger

Today's world, literally has a plethora of stress for us to do deal with. Whether it is the economy, traffic, work or family related issues. This fast paced, get it done now, world we have created, is causing us to live in emergency mode. Our world changes so quickly, that many of us never feel in control and therfore live in a state of constant stress.

In a recent survey taken by, The American Psychological Association, one third of the participants, admitted to being extremely stressed, while one half said, they were more stressed than they were five years ago. According to an article by Web MD, Americans are most stressed by money, the economy and family related health issues. The recession is a huge stress among Americans. Some studies claim that, as many as 8 out 10 of us are severely stressed over the economy.

Everyone deals with stress differently. The way I cope with stress, may or may not work for you. Also, we all have different stress factors in our lives. In my opinion, I have a rather stressful life. Between my partner and I, we share eight children. I manage one of the largest Cast Stone Manufacturing Plants in the nation. The owner is difficult at best, to deal with. These are just a couple of my day to day stress factors.

So how do I cope? Admittedly, not very well. Like anyone else, I have good days and bad ones. When I am really stressed to the max, I find that if I talk to someone about how I feel, by the time I am finished, I feel better. Sometimes, I find funny articles to read. Laughter helps me considerably. And sometimes, I just stuff my face with ice-cream. For whatever it is worth, these are a few things that help me cope with my stress. Whether you use my examples or not, one thing is for sure, to survive we have to learn healthy ways of coping with our stress.

Well, according to much of my research, the following are the most reasonable ways to cope with stress.

1. Exercise Regularly
2. Find ways to Relax
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
4. Laugh
5. Make Time to Play
6. Eat Well
7. Create a Support Network
8. Think Positively
9. Manage Time Wisely
10. Quit Expecting Perfection

So there you go. Ten more things to stress over. Right?

Try to remember this, Life is short. Enjoy as much of it as you can. Never take life or yourself too seriously. Remember to take life as it comes. We have no guarantees in this world. So, take the good and the bad life throws at you, with a grain of salt. And never take your loved ones for granted.