There are several stress reduction and stress management techniques that people use to cope with and manage stress levels in their lives .

Stress is a reality in our lives. Very few people are immune to the negative effects of stress. Stress reduction techniques are coping mechanisms that help to alleviate the negative effects of stress.

Stress in defined in the Mayo Clinic website as "the condition we experience when demands exceed our ability to cope.". Our ability to cope is individual. Every person has a unique response to stress. One person may find giving a business presentation stressful, while another might feel stressed out going to a dinner party.

Some causes of stress are obvious, like job loss, serious illness, divorce or death of a parent or spouse. Daily pressure can add to the stress level. Little things can accumulate and take a toll on health. Mayo Clinic recommends keeping a stress diary to identify the demands on your time and energy and recording how stressful they are to you.

Following are several stress reduction and stress management techniques. These stress reduction techniques are not necessarily recommended, but are techniques that people use to reduce stress with varying degrees of success.

God: The belief in a power greater and wiser than ourselves provides direction and comfort. Prayer contributes to a sense of calm and peace and mental well being.

Acupuncture: Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for over 2,500 years, uses acupuncture to improve energy flow in the body. Tiny needles are inserted into specific points to relieve many conditions. In the US, acupuncture is commonly used to treat headaches, chronic pain and arthritis, which are health problems that affect stress levels.

Exercise: An exercise routine helps to lower high blood pressure and releases endorphins.

Yoga: Stress relieving exercise with focus on relaxing deep breathing.

Meditation: Mind-body technique which focuses on breathing and focus to provide a sense of calm.

Massage: Overworked muscles cause lactic acid to accumulate in the body. This toxic build up causes soreness and tension. Massage works by helping to flush out the toxins and improving blood and lymph circulation. Massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol and increases the production of endorphins in the body.

Alcohol: Alcohol is a commonly used "quick-fix". Controversial among the medical community, alcohol may relax muscles and brain cells, but has potentially damaging health and social consequences. Very few people actually endorse the use of alcohol to control stress.

Chamomile Tea: Tea made from tiny flowers that have therapeutic substances that are believed to act on the same parts of the brain as anti anxiety drugs.

Prescription Drugs: Antidepressants and anti anxiety pills work by altering brain chemicals to control moods.

Herbal supplements and Vitamins: Herbs such as Valerian, melatonin and St. John's wort are used by many. Vitamins B and C are called the anti-stress vitamins. Calcium and Magnesium can be calming.

Food: A lot of people eat when they feel anxious. Although eating may have some stress relieving aspects, stress eating will likely lead to obesity. Obesity will probably add to increased stress.

Friends and Social Support. Friends help us to deal with the stresses of life. People who need to expand their social network may try to join groups, social clubs, school and church or temple.

Pets. Pets have been shown to lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure.

Hobbies: Hobbies, such as gardening, painting, drawing, singing and playing a musical instrument help us to unwind. Find an activity you love and pursue the hobby for fun and relaxation.

Music: There are studies that show that music can reduce anxiety and relax muscles. Music releases the endorphins in the body. Therefore, listening to your iPod can be therapeutic.

Jacuzzi: Hot bubbling water soothes and massages the muscles.

Take some time off. Plan some time in the day to do nothing.

Laughter. Research shows that laughter can stimulate movement of blood to the heart and lungs. Laughter is believed to increase antibodies to fight sickness, releasing stress fighting hormones. There is even a school of though that we should laugh whether we feel like it or not, with the idea that the feel-good chemicals will follow.

Nap: Take a 15-20 minute "time-out" in the afternoon to boost alertness.

Organize: An organized workspace makes you feel in better control and less stressed.

Art: Art forms, such as painting or drawing have therapeutic value. Not feeling artistic? Take a walk through an art museum or art fair for relaxation.

Read: Read a book to escape reality, even for a short while.

Sex: Sex releases endorphins during orgasm. Endorphins are similar in chemical structure to morphine, which may be why we feel wonderful after sex.

Daydream: Can't get away? Take a brief vacation in the mind to relieve stress.

Vacation: Vacations give us a break from the day-to-day routine that can be so stressful. Letting the day unfold without a schedule to adhere to is very relaxing.

Television: Almost everybody has a color TV. Watching television provides a mind numbing escape from stress. Careful though, some programs may add to stress.

If stress control techniques do not help, see your heath care, or mental health professional for guidance.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, see your doctor.

Resources:

Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com)

Forbes Magazine Health (forbes.com/health)