Stress is a change that we adapt to in our daily lives. You can almost describe it as pressure, demand, or any situation that requires physical and/or mental exertion. It can be positive or negative, ranging from something that motivates you to work or something that drags you to a halt. The negative effects can include lack of productivity, depression, loneliness, frustration or even anger. Those symptoms can sometimes cause much larger problems like break-ups, disparity at work, etc. Here are a few tips to help cope with the effects of stress:

1. R n R:

Take some time off and let loose. Work related stress can be due to the pile up of projects and deadlines. A vacation in the middle of the week will help you let loose all that accumulated stress.

2. Scream it out

Find a secluded place-your room, a toilet, an empty parking lot, anywhere you’re sure that no can hear you and think that you’ve lost your mind-and scream your heart out. Scandalous, but it works.

3. Exercise

Sweating it out in the gym can reduce anxiety and frustrations.

4. Acupuncture

If you’re willing to try alternative medicine, this is one method you shouldn’t miss out. It can be quite relaxing, it can cure stiff shoulders too.

5. Manage your time and effort

If you have multiple sources of stress (deadlines, increased responsibilities), prioritize. Break large demands into small, manageable parts and work through one task at a time. Do what needs to be done first, leaving other things for tomorrow.

6. Call a friend

There are problems that you can’t be solved alone. Ask for help as soon as you can.