Managing stress is necessary to harness the positive effects of stress. These days, stress management has offered a lot of ways and techniques that help equip people with effective coping mechanisms to deal with stress. People are faced with a lot of stressors; these may include work, threats, illnesses and simple daily events that bring about change. More significant changes in one's life such as the death of a loved one, moving to a new place or having a baby also substantially increase the body's stress levels. If deemed needed, psychologists use the Holmes Rahe Scale to test stress levels.

How to Manage Stress?

In order or better deal with stress, the first step entails the self-identification of one's personality type. Upon understanding whether you are a Type A or a Type B personality, self-management techniques such as becoming more organized and reducing clutter, setting priorities, and having a to-do list all work to contribute a sense of control and accomplishment in a person. Stress management becomes even more effective if limits are set and followed and learning to say "no" to some of the demands that others may make. Having a positive attitude attained through positive self-talk is also important in managing stress.

After putting all these in order, it is then important to be aware what causes your stress and how you react to it either emotionally or physically. Ignoring what causes your stress is not really helpful and so does glossing over your problems. Facing and understanding these are more effective means of managing stress.

You cannot change everything that puts stress in your life, but you can avoid or eliminate some of them. You can also reduce the intensity of stressors or even shorten your exposure to stress. Goal setting, time management and delaying gratification are important in enforcing changes in one's life.

Reducing the emotional reactions to stress by not exaggerating them or by trying to please everyone while moderating physical reactions through deep breathing and relaxation are also equally important to effectively reduce stress.

Increasing immunity through proper exercise, a well-balanced diet and avoiding stimulants while taking leisure times are also helpful means to manage stress. Having a support group which you can rely on all the time and pursuing realistic and meaningful goals are also equally important.