Being reared in the Far East but not being a native, the stress of separation from a nurturing home was a regular companion. Seeking clarity on this, I recall asking Master K'ang how he could have seen great suffering, war & famine, yet remain so centered & at peace. I remember him staring at me, smiling for the longest time,...and then reaching to his side to open a book. Just as I was about to ask him why my question should be ignored, he started to read to me aloud. The book's cover revealed its name. The Sutta Nipata.

"Seeing misery in views and opinions without adopting any, I found inner peace and freedom. One who is free does not hold to views or dispute opinions. For a sage there is no higher, lower nor equal, no places in which the mind can stick. But those who grasp after views and opinions only wander around the world annoying themselves and others."

1. Because stress is felt, we seldom concretely identify those situations and people we find stressful. To understand what brings on stress in your life, try to maintain a heightened awareness of your physical and mental feelings for a week. When you feel your heart racing, your muscles tightening, or your stomach contracting, ask yourself why. Keep a list of those things that trigger stressful feelings.

2. Make relaxation part of your daily routine. Deep breathing and simple stretches can be performed both at home and in the office. Taking a few minutes to soothe your soul by savoring a cup of tea or grounding yourself can center you, giving you the ability to deal with stress more effectively.

3. It can be difficult to let go of worries or thoughts that provoke anxiety. One technique involves dissipating stressful thoughts before they get out of control. Concentrate on the thought and firmly say "Stop" to prevent the thought from recycling itself in your mind. In doing so, you will be free of the thought's power to influence your mood.

4. Get back to nature. Enjoying a relaxing day out of doors can help you feel more calm and balanced during your normal routine. A mountain hike or day at the beach can be a wonderful stress reducer. If you simply can't get away, try listening to a CD of nature sounds or simply spending a few minutes in front of a sunny window.

5. Each day, give yourself the gift of doing one thing you truly enjoy. It may be writing, gardening, dancing, walking, or watching a good film. Doing something you like every day will improve your quality of life and frame of mind, making you better able to handle stress as it arises.

6. Assess your priorities and learn to say no. Determine what activities you don't want to or can't do at home or at work, and, if you can, stop doing them. Don't overload your schedule by committing to new responsibilities because you are afraid to say no. Instead, dedicate yourself only to the activities that bring you and those you love joy.

7. Guided imagery can help you stay relaxed during periods of stress. Take a moment to imagine yourself in a peaceful setting that feels safe and nurturing, perhaps somewhere you have felt lighthearted and calm in the past. Concentrate on your setting until you feel your muscles and mind relax.

8. Exercise affects both the body's energy level and the brain's chemistry by encouraging the release of beneficial hormones. It can also help you let go some of the tension and pent-up energy associated with stress by giving you a healthy outlet for your feelings. The mood-elevating benefits of exercise last for days, but regular exercise is the most uplifting.

9. Take a break from just reacting. When you're faced with any type of stress, stop for a moment to collect your thoughts. While some things do, everything does not require an instant response. Breathe slowly and deeply for ten seconds and try to clear your mind of unpleasant thoughts. You'll still be facing the same situation, but your outlook will be clearer.

10. When you are ready, compile a list of stressful triggers, compile a second list outlining your personal methods for dealing with each source of stress. Though unexpected or frustrating situations can seem overwhelming, you have been born with the power to cope. Recognizing your strengths can make dealing with stress seem easier. Stress is inevitable, it need not be fatal.

-Author Unknown