1. Try to pinpoint what's really causing your stress, Dr. Baker suggests. Keep a diary of when you feel stressed. For instance if you often feel stressed at work, note that down. Then, try to make sure that there is a balance between the effort you put into a task and the reward you receive from it. 2. Commit to a sound sleep routine. Not getting enough sleep, or poor quality sleep, can make it very difficult to handle everyday stress. Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday – even on weekends. Avoid alcohol (well not in Ottawa!), upsetting TV news, arguments, discussions about financial matters or anything that causes you distress before bed. 3. Sign up for an assertiveness training classes, available at local community centres and other organizations. “This is very, very useful,” Dr. Baker says. “It teaches people to control their emotions and be firm with others, which is important for many people.” 4. Visualize a place or memory that you find relaxing. Is it a beautiful waterfall at your local national park? Your grandmother baking oatmeal cookies? Visualization is an effective means of reducing stress. Use it whenever you need to calm yourself down. 5. Get physically active on a regular basis. It's your body's natural way of getting rid of toxins caused by stress. Make it specific and commit to the time. For example, you may go for a walk around the block every evening after dinner, run on the treadmill three times a week, bike in your local park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and garden on the weekends. If you've been inactive, talk to your physician before starting any exercise program. 6. Identify places you can go when you need a break from the stress of your busy life. You may find it helpful to visit a near-by park, chapel, temple or library. Or create a room in your home that is designated quiet space where you can do crossword puzzles, listen to soft music, or just sit without interruption. 7. Get away from it all. Even if it's just a weekend in the country or a week at home spent watching your favourite movies or sports, you need that downtime to function at work. 8. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Helping others can take attention away from yourself and this may reduce your anxieties. 9. Learn how to breathe deeply and slowly, which can lower stress and blood pressure. Breathing practices such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, or Pilates may help. Try one or more of these offered by a board of education, recreation centre or local community college to find the one that works best for you. Ask your family, friends or colleagues to sign up with you. 10. Pet a dog or cat. Evidence suggests this can help some people reduce blood pressure and relax.