The Top 10 Ways To Squash Stress
Some of the following tips featured in Fitness, May 2002

Research shows stress can expand your waistline. When we are stressed out, our bodies secrete cortisol, a hormone which may account for why we gain weight, especially around our waistlines. Here are a few ways to cope:

 
1.
 Buy earplugs. Noise you can't ignore stresses you out.
2.
 Cry. Tears appear to help flush out chemicals that build up during stressful periods.
3.
 Get caller I.D. Cutting down on the calls you choose to take will free up your time--and increase your tolerance level.
4.
 Use color therapy. Green appears to be a soothing color; don't forget to get outdoors.
5.
 Exercise. As always, when you get moving, your body secretes certain chemicals which help relieve anxiety.
6.
 Turn off the news. Try programming other than violent shows or "reality" shows.
7.
 Try canoodling. Touch, massage, passion, hugs...all cause your body to secrete a natural, "feel-good" hormone.
8.
 Take a "time out". Five or ten minutes might be enough to help you get a grip.
9.
 Vent with a friend. Nothing is better than a fine whine. Find a friend for a long night of talking.
10.
 Toss the scale. It only adds to your level of stress. Use your clothing as a guide to see whether you're losing weight.