Five easy ways to handle stress

Keep a time management organizer. Take a regular break, lighten up your load of social engagements.

1. Make your life regular: As "clock work" synchronize your body clock to your work schedule. Keep a time management organizer. Take a regular break, lighten up your load of social engagements. Do not be a " workaholic". Get proper sleep. Spend quality time with your kids.

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2. Avoid pick-me-up's sugar, sweets, coffee, chocolates, alcohol, tobacco, shopping and gambling sprees are rollercoaster ride. These are addicting and never solve a problem.

3. Relaxation exercises: Deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, relieves muscle tension, lowers blood pressure and regulates breathing.

4. Cognitive reframing: Reframe your thoughts and do positive self-talk. I'll be alright, I don't have to over-react, I've grown from past challenges before.

5. Exercise to improve health: Outlet for anger and hostility, control of weight and diseases like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, osteoporosis. Consult your doctor for physiological stresses of puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

(The writer is a consultant, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare Centre, New Delhi)