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No matter our circumstances, we all deal with some form of stress from time to time. It is how we deal with this stress that is most important. First, what is stress really? Dictionary.com defines stress as physical, mental or emotional strain or tension. Stress is particularly high this time of year. Not only are we dealing with what seems to be more bills during the winter months but throw the holidays in and you are dealing with all sorts of issues. Family gatherings, holiday shopping, traveling, and again those bills, all can increase our stress levels.

Signs of stress are headaches, irritability, anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, and muscle tension to name a few. You know these can occur without warning depending on the situation! Then there are the long-term stressors with longer term effects including heart attacks, hypertension, depression, weight gain or weight loss, and stomach issues. Long-term stress can also increase the symptoms of preexisting conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and COPD, as well as lead to infertility or problems during pregnancy.

The good news is that there are some pretty simple ways to help you cope with the stress in your life. The first (and if you know me well, you saw this coming) is to exercise regularly. The physical activity can be slower and meditative like yoga or it can be intensive like running or kickboxing, where you can let your frustrations out. Physical activity also reduces the cortisol, or stress hormones, in your body while increasing the endorphins. Regular exercise is also believed to lower your negative reaction to stress from the start.

The second and third ways are pretty obvious. Make sure you get enough sleep. Regardless of the situation your day always seems a little easier if you are well rested. Don't forget to eat healthy! You will have more energy and feel good on the inside making you better equipped to deal with any stress coming from the outside.

The last tip is to get organized. This is especially important during the holiday season. Make a plan and list everything you need to do. Then break that list down. Do a small part of your plan every single day. This reduces the pressure to get it all done at once and at the last minute. Most people give up on the 'big picture' because it seems overwhelming and unachievable but if you break it down and try to accomplish smaller tasks you will see you can get just about anything done in time with a plan.

Oh, one more thing! Don't forget to breathe and take time to enjoy the small things - it may just make some of the stress in your life seem like not such a big deal after all!!