Arrive on Time

Running late is stressful. To avoid it, plan for unforeseen delays and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Now you're early? No problem. You can use the extra minutes to freshen up, get organized, return a phone call, and delight in the fact that you avoided unneeded stress.

On-the-Go Goodies

If you travel a lot or are always on the go, bring along "car foods" - HEALTHY 100 calorie snacks that you keep handy. That way, when you're hungry, you'll be less likely to stop at a convenience store and buy junk food.

A Walk in the Park

There's a reason many popular relaxation CDs include the sounds of nature. Whether you're walking in the woods, sitting on a beach, or strolling through a city park, nature will rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Drink Up!

Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and lethargic, so be sure to drink throughout the day. The average person needs about eight glasses of water.

Make a Getaway

Have you always wanted to see the Great Wall of China? Would you love to soak up the sun in the Caribbean? Go for it! Or, if money is an issue, a local road trip can be just as thrilling. Pick a date and give yourself enough time to save and plan for it. The anticipation will be almost as much fun as the trip itself.

Keep HEALTHY Habits

When people are dealing with big worries like financial issues, they frequently stop doing the things that usually make them feel good. If you have an activity that relaxes you, treat it as a priority.

Slow Food

Because stress eating is often done on the fly, abide by the following rule: If you can't enjoy every bite and eat slowly, it's not worth eating.

Fruit Not Cutting It?

Sometimes a piece of fruit is just not enough. Spread a bit or protein-rich peanut butter on your apple slices to better keep your appetite in check.

Music for Your Mind

You can change your mood by switching from one kind of music to another. For example, play Frank Sinatra ballads, then move on to something energetic such as Aretha Franklin. If you've had a frantic work week and want to calm down, reverse the process.

Eating Out?

When you order, remember that steamed, broiled, or baked is better than fried or sauteed. Stay away from dishes described as crispy, stuffed, or escalloped. Ask for gravy, sauces, and dressings on the side, and don't be afraid to request substitutes.

The Art of Distraction

Next time you find yourself reaching for an empty-calorie snack, do something else instead. Take a walk, read a book, lift some weights. Distractions will help you wait out cravings, most of which pass in about 20 minutes.

Easy on the Junk Food

Keep tempting foods in a kitchen cupboard you don't often go into or store them in opaque containers so you can't see the contents. Or even better - just don't buy junk food in the first place.

Mind-Body Connection

Yoga uses stretching postures, breathing, and meditation techniques to calm the mind and tone and relax the body. You can learn about yoga from books and videos, but the best way is to attend a class with an experienced instructor.

Avoid Late Meals

Going to bed on a full stomach is a problem for many people who work long hours, get home late, eat a full meal, and then try to go to sleep. Aim to eat no later than two hours before bedtime.

Make Lists

Memory experts agree that the more senses you use to store something in your mind, the better your chances of recalling it later on. So instead of just making a mental note, write down what you need to do.

Mood Music

When you're starting to feel the effects of stress, turn to your favorite songs, playlists, or station on the radio. Listening to calming music may even help lower blood pressure.

Sleep Well

A quiet bedroom can help contribute to a good night's sleep, particularly amoung older adults, who spend less time in deep sleep and, therefore, are more easily awakened by noises. Earplugs, white noise, and heavy curtains that absorb noise can help you get a better night's sleep.

Pet a Furry Friend

Spending time with a dog, cat, bird or other animal can help fight depression, experts say. If you don't have a pet, visit with a family member or friend who does.

Lose Your Stress

Where do you carry your stress? It could be in your shoulders, head, neck, jaw, hands, or even your stomach. Once you've recognized your trouble spots, learn how to care for them.

A Beach-Ready Body

Stay active to keep your body ready for the beach this Summer. Vacuuming the house, playing with the kids, mowing the lawn, and taking a walk all burn more than twice the number of calories you'll use watching TV.

Sip Without a Straw

Each sip draws air (from the upper part of the straw) into your mouth, which causes bloating and gas.

Massages Bring Relief

Indulge in a massage every now and then - it'll be good for you. Massage therapy decreases stress by relaxing muscles, flushing waste products out of them, and increasing "feel-good" hormones in your body.

Don't Skimp Too Much

Is your diet overly restrictive? Most women who are trying to lose weight should consume at least 1,200 to 1,400 calories a day. For men, the recommendation is 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day.

Get the Facts

Very often, people's worries are based on the misinformation or rumors and gossip. You may be worrying over nothing. Go to the source and get the information you need to make solid decisions.

Make Time to Relax

One day it might be practicing yoga, another getting a massage. One method that's free and that can be done anywhere and any time is simple deep breathing.

Call Your Friends

While it's good to seek out new acquaintances or make new friends at the office, it's important to stay in touch with old friends too.

Start a Food Diary

What do you eat when you're stressed? Keep a food and mood log to find out. Then, make healthier choices when stress sends you to the kitchen. If you usually reach for potato chips, have a small bowl of popcorn instead. If you crave something sweet and creamy, try vanilla yogurt instead of ice cream.

Watch That Wine

Alcohol can be a major source of calories. One 4-ounce serving of wine contains about 120 calories. Control alcohol calories by having just one glass, and substitute water for the second glass. Or avoid alcohol altogether except on special occasions.

How Much Calcium?

Your daily calcium requirement depends on your age and a variety of other factors. Adults 19 to 50 need 1,000 mg per day.While people 51 and older should have 1,200 mg per day.

Sleep Tight

Get plenty of rest around 8 hours a night - so that you are refreshed and ready to take on the day. Lack of sleep can leave your feeling run-down can can compromise your immune system.

Smell the Roses

Scented essential oils, candles, natural room sprays, incense, perfume, fresh-cut flowers, and even the aroma of foods - really, anything that smells good to you - can help you relax.