1 . It’s almost impossible to totally avoid stress, but these top tips will help you to get it under control so that it doesn’t take over your life.

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Studies of both animals and humans show that social contact can help avoid body’s stress. So cultivate a network of people you can turn to share what’s bothering you with a friend and ask for some helpful advice. Avoid people who always need something without giving back or who are always short with you.

Avoid last-minute rushes

Leave the house 15 minutes early for appointments, set up a system for paying your bills(ask your bank about automatic bill paying), refill your prescriptions a week ahead of time and stock up on birthday cards whenever you see ones you like.     2     .

Make time for yourself

Give higher priority to your “relax and renewal” time. Include it in your schedule at least every other day.     3     . Or spend some time alone reading or listening to music you love.

Laugh a lot

    4     Laughter also stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles and boosts your resistance to infection. It’s nearly impossible to stay tense while you’ re laughing. If you laugh for 20 seconds, your body gets the same amount of beneficial oxygen—very good for stress relief—as it does in three minutes of exercise. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to stay tense while you’re laughing.     5     . Share jokes with friends over email.

If you feel you’re experiencing more stress than you can manage, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting help.