Stress, pressure, tension is a fact of everyday life for most of us. Remember that it puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, insomnia, backache, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, sports injuries and infertility. Stress can trigger serious illness like Graves' and fibromyalgia. Stress even makes us more susceptible to the common cold. With your health at stake, it is essential to use stress relievers.

Also, itís important that you remember that stress is a physiological response. It isnít all in your head! You owe it to yourself to take the time to use stressreducing techniques on a daily basis. You need to have a wide range of coping skills to use at home, work and other places. Here are 12 keys to stress reduction to help you open the door to a more relaxing life. They contain dozens of helpful hints. Choose those best suited for you. Breathe deeply. Relax your muscles, expanding your stomach and chest. Exhale slowly. Repeat several times.