Even though Christmas is long gone, a lot of people are winding down 2010 by planning New Years Eve parties, and even getting ready for the upcoming tax season.

So how do you keep the stress from affecting your health?

Dr. Ronald Downs explains several ways you can manage stress in this week’s “Health & Beauty BreakDowns”.

1. Take calm-down breaks
   
   • Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
   
   
   • Plan leisure time and take breaks
   
   
   • Schedule some quiet time alone every day to meditate, pray, etc.
   
   
   • Get a massage, facial, or manicure/pedicure
   
   
   • Breathing deeply, smoothly, slowly from the diaphragm oxygenates your system and even slows down the heartbeat
2. Get moving
   
   • Perhaps one of the best ways to overcome stress is to exercise regularly. Research shows physical activity boosts not only your fitness and energy levels but also elevates your mood. Exercise has also been found to reduce anger, tension, fatigue, and confusion.
3. Go for real foods most of the time
   
   • This time of year, you'll be tempted by sugary, empty calorie treats, but to be your most energetic, focused, and happy self it's best to eat healthy
   
   
   • Eat a nutritious breakfast
   
   
   • Choose fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
   
   
   • Cut down on fat, salt, sugar, additives, and preservatives
   
   
   • Be careful not to over indulge on caffeine or alcohol
4. Prepare "Nice To Do For Me" and "Need To Do For You" lists
   
   • Be realistic about what you put on your to-do lists. You should tackle one item at a time, but don't procrastinate.
5. DARE to relieve stress
   
   • D=Diet, remember to make healthier choices
   
   
   • A=Attitude and Awareness, learn how to handle stress and accept situations you can't change
   
   
   • R=Rest, Relaxation, and Relationships, make time for sleep and alone time
   
   
   • E=Exercise, get moving

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