We all encounter stressful days.

Sure, the causes will vary from one person to the next (screaming babies, tight deadline at work, family feuds, etc.) but stress is universal. Fortunately, there are a few common solutions that can help you unwind and relax, even when you are living in a stressful environment.

Some of the following relaxation tips may only work when a particular person is responsible for your high stress level, but they could still be useful:

• Can you enjoy the humor of the situation? Make a joke to lighten the atmosphere or take a second and force yourself to smile. It's amazing how powerful a smile (even a fake one) can be.
• Go for a walk or exercise in some way. If you're dealing with short-term anger or stress, a 15-minute walk could make a big difference. Make time for relaxation activities, even if they only last 5 minutes. See some quick breathing exercises here.
• Feeling angry or stressed toward a specific person or organization? Write a letter. You don't need to mail it (and perhaps you shouldn't) but writing the letter and letting your emotions out on paper should help release some of the tension.
• Think about the big picture. Getting stressed out or angry at your partner for finishing the milk before you had a chance to pour some in your coffee isn't the end of the world, is it? Is it worth it to argue or stress about such small things? Would your relationship end up suffering for no real reason? It's OK to swallow your pride every now and then …and enjoy a cup of black coffee.
• Will worrying about it make it any better? Most of the time, we end up stressing out about things that are totally out of our control. Take a second and think about what you can do about a specific stressful situation. If the answer is "nothing", then say this to yourself (out loud if needed): "I might as well forget about it. I've done the best I can, and it's now in someone else's hands."
• Feeling upset about something someone just told you? Leave it for now. Take time to cool off. Bringing your negative emotions into a business or personal discussion can only hurt. Sleep on it (if you can) and you may even be able to offer new solutions when you meet with the person in question the following day.
• Although you may think I'm contradicting myself (see previous point), I recommend that you communicate openly about what stresses you out. I am NOT saying to vent angrily, but I'm suggesting that you have a polite discussion about how you feel when a particular situation happens. Always start your discussion with "I feel..." instead of "You are…". You want to calmly be able to discuss the stressful situation and possibly come up with solutions that will satisfy both parties. If you are feeling stressed out by a situation, find a friend or family member you feel comfortable with and talk about it. Sometimes, voicing your concerns out loud helps to alleviate your stress levels.
• Can you avoid the stressful situation all together? For example, if you stress out before traveling to a foreign country (because you don't speak the language), why don't you choose a different country where they speak English? When you take time to consider your options, you may be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to avoid some stressful situations.
• Many people feel stressed out when thinking about large projects or goals. Always break them down into small, manageable chunks. To read an example, click here.
• When none of the previous ideas work, just accept the fact that you are currently feeling stressed, but this situation will end sooner or later. There is always sunshine after a storm. Be patient and seek the positive side of life.

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Remember to Relax