Learn to read your body's signs of stress. These may include difficulty concentrating, headaches, nervous stomach, clenched teeth, feeling irritable, etc. Take action to counter these effects. Go for a walk, breathe deeply, stretch, write down your thoughts.

Changing the way we think about stress can help us manage it. View stressful situations as opportunities. For example, instead of focusing on the traffic, view it as an opportunity to listen to enjoyable music. Practicing different perspectives help us boost our stress resilience.

Recognize your limits and prioritize yourself along with your responsibilities. Say "no" to requests that you can't manage. Exercise, eat healthy, sleep, and participate in activities that you enjoy or find relaxing.

No person is an island. Don't be afraid to reach out for support in accomplishing whatever task is causing you stress. Even if the person can't solve the problem completely, they may have resources or information that could help.

Give yourself more structure by scheduling tasks and blocking off time to take care of yourself. This may potentially help with time management and allow you to manage your stress earlier.

If you can't manage the stress that you are feeling, it has affected your relationships, or it has caused you to engage in substance use, it may be time to talk to a professional. There are many resources available to you. Visit your local mental health provider. For immediate help, visit any of the websites or lifelines listed on this page.

Keep in touch with the people in your life. Often stress causes us to withdraw, but having a person to talk to is reassuring and calming. Even if it's just a quick conversation, staying connected helps us manage stressful situations.