It’s no secret that managing stress is critical to staying healthy, both physically and mentally. It has been well documented that many illnesses are caused, either directly or indirectly, by stress.

Those of us who are self-employed need to be especially concerned about being in good health, since we don’t get paid for sick days or time off for medical appointments. However, it can be pretty hard to avoid stress when we’re surrounded by news of war, recession, earthquakes, crime, and other terrible things, along with all the concerns of our own lives. I sure don’t have the answer to solving the problems of the world, and I don’t always manage my own stress level as well as I’d like, but here are three of the things that typically work for me.

Practice yoga. For several years, I took a class with Leslie Plaisance of Yoga by Design, who is simply wonderful. She’s since relocated to Kelowna, BC, so if you’re in that area, be sure to look her up! To find a yoga teacher near you, go to Yogafinder.com.

Get a massage. If you’re in the Hamilton area, check out Body & Sol, and say hello to Kathy for me!

Take a walk. Whether you walk alone or with a buddy, walking can benefit you in many ways, including increased energy level and stamina, reduced anxiety, tension and depression, better sleep and lower stress levels. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a cent!

We all enjoy different activities, and maybe none of these suggestions appeal to you, but I’ve got lots more, far too many to include in a blog post. Along with Law of Attraction coach Don Giberson, I created 101+ Ways to Raise Your Joy Quotient, an ABC e-book for grown-ups, filled with whimsical illustrations and ways you can reduce stress by focusing on the positive things in life.

Stress Awareness Month is now over, but 101+ Ways to Raise Your Joy Quotient is still available.

What’s your favourite way to manage stress?