Ten Commandments of Stress-Management

1. Thou Shalt Not Vegetate - Find yourself some outlet for physical energy and exert yourself. You'll find yourself blowing off steam, sleeping better, and your entire body will benefit.
2. Thou Shalt not keep quiet - Counseling is good for dealing with stress, whether it's just talking it over with a spouse or a friend who'll lend an ear, or talking to your daughters in PA, or getting professional help. This is not a sign of weakness or defeat; you're just beginning to fight.
3. Thou shalt not try to move mountains - you must learn to accept what cannot changed and learn to live with it. The circumstances of your situation can remain the same, but you can change the way you react to them.
4. Thou shalt not covet the pharmacist's goods - Do not medicate yourself. Always see your doctor for help in using any prescribed medication. Remember, drug abuse is a form of self-medication for stress management, and it usually makes the stress worse.
5. Honor thy sleep and thy rest - Lack of proper rest can lead to irritability, which is a sign of stress. Although each person varies, seven to eight hours a night is suggested.
6. Thou shalt not make jack a dull boy - Balance your work and play. Get out there and recreate. This helps to relax the mind as long as you're not the competitive, compulsive type. Give yourself a break.
7. Thou shalt not be selfish - Don't concentrate on yourself and your problems; this only makes them worse. Make yourself get out and meet new people, do new activities, see new things.
8. Thou shalt not spread yourself thin - You need to set priorities in your life to get things done. Trying to get it all done at one time only leads to more worries.
9. Thou shalt not always have the last word - Unless it's an argument of great importance, give in occasionally. This helps to break the tension of the discussion; the other benefit is that you'll find the other person giving in more often.
10. Thou shalt not be a hermit - Don't sit alone at home, frustrated, withdrawn, feeling sorry for yourself. Get out and get involved. Keep yourself occupied.