It is often the small things in life that makes all the difference and managing stress is no different.

Although, I once heard someone argue that there is no such thing as stress – which I dispute – stress affects everyone and in different ways. Have you ever wondered how your spouse or friend appear to be stress free? How do they do this? Are they just lucky, do they have unseen strength or is it something we can learn as well?

I believe we can learn to live less stressful. And, having a spouse that very rarely stresses has certainly helped me to stress less.

So learn to stress less by starting with these small things.

Small Thing #1 - Time

Managing time is a skill we all have, just some are better at it than others. Improve your time management by:-

Save some time everyday just for yourself;

Write in a diary what you did for yourself – this will help you make sure you do;

You might feel a bit selfish at first by don't commit to what is not important to you;

Give unimportant tasks to someone else. So what if it's not done exactly like you would – it will still be done.

Something important I learnt recently is "not everything needs to be perfect".

Small Thing #2 - Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices can increase your stress levels. So attempt to:-

Sleep – let your physical and mental body recuperate each day;

Find something to strive for and have a sense of purpose in life;

You know what they say about "All work and no Play". Do something with your family regularly;

You are not THAT important, don't take yourself so seriously. If you died tomorrow, the work would still get done – someone would do it; so let someone else do it now;

Go for a walk – it will make you feel better. Exercise is proven to help lift depression.

Small Thing #3 - Thoughts

This is a small thing though it does take some effort to initiate the change (but well worth it).

When you feel your self thinking negative thoughts – stop and think again;

Before speaking, check that what you are about to say is positive and helpful. Yelling only makes you feel worse.

I get stressed and no doubt if you have read this far you to get stressed. Take the time to admit you have stress and then look at your life and start with the small things.

There are heaps of products on the market to help relieve stress. Here is a review of holosync - one such reputed product.