Does stress affect your overall health? Absolutely! For good health, it’s essential that you manage the daily stress that comes your way.

The pressure and burden of modern life, if not relieved, can increase your risk of obesity, insomnia, digestive problems, heart disease, depression and many other ailments. So what can you do to cut down on stress? Here are some things you can try.

The most important thing you can do is to eat right, exercise on a regular basis and get enough rest. You can also ask for support from family and friends. Be selfish and take good care of yourself.

Remember that being cool, calm and collected - no matter what’s going on - can lead to health, wealth and happiness. When life gets rough, just stop, take a deep breath and chill out. Take on a new point of view of the situation, take a break, take a nap, take a bath or take a walk. They all work. Just don’t take a valium. That doesn’t work.

Some things you can do to get more control over your life are to set reasonable and attainable goals, stop over-committing yourself and give up your perfectionism.

Don’t let stress negatively affect your health. Remember, you can cut down on stress by changing the things you can change, accepting the things you can’t change and learning to tell the difference. If you follow these guidelines, stress can be a small, manageable part of your life.