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How do you keep tension to a minimum and avoid strain in your life? Readers share their stories:

Small Wonders
A lot of my stress comes from focusing on the negatives instead of keeping my eyes open to all of the positive events that happen throughout the day. To change my outlook, I've started keeping a "grateful" journal each night. Sometimes I can think of 10 things from the day and other times only one, but there's always some small moment to be acknowledged -- spending a few minutes at lunch basking in the sun, meeting a friend for coffee, sleeping late on a Saturday, or reading Body+Soul. This new habit has been an amazing addition to my life.
-- Irene Janis, Cambridge, MA

Dance Fever
To ease my stress, I like to play my favorite song and dance around my house. Along with a cup of tea and a hot shower, just letting loose and being myself in that moment usually calms my mind for the rest of the day. You'd be surprised by what a little "silly time" can do. How often do you get to have fun by yourself?
-- Foxxy Jackson, Burien, WA

Pep Talk
For me, different situations require different methods of stress busting. When faced with a difficult task, I first determine whether I have any control over the outcome. If I do, I make plans toward a resolution. If I don't, I notice what kind of inner dialogue I'm having. If it's negative and useless (it usually is), I try to recognize it as a self-defeating approach and adopt a more positive outlook. I also rely on little things to help me deal with stress, like changing my clothes as soon as I get home from work to tell my mind that I'm leaving all the workplace stuff behind. Taking these steps helps me not stress out over situations or resent others.
-- Glenda Hawley, Moscow, ID

Doggie Dates
My top tension buster has four legs and a wagging tail. I own a wonderful dog (the empress of shelter mutts), and I've also cultivated friendships with other dog people in my neighborhood. I schedule regular "doggy dates" on days when I work from home; while the dogs romp, I sip tea and watch joy in motion. Even on my toughest days, when I know the end of playtime will mean I have to return to a difficult project or task, I find myself melting into a kinder, softer person for having petted and played with the dogs.
-- Rose Stremlau, Pembroke, NC

Bright Side
My tension buster is perspective. By changing my point of view, I can eliminate most stress before it starts. Instead of an untidy house, for instance, I see a family home that shows the comfort and fun we share every day. Instead of "have-to's," I recognize that all things are a choice, which enables me to choose joyfully. By cultivating a positive outlook, I've been able to let go of tension and embrace a fuller, happier life with my family.
-- Tara Wagner, Las Vegas, NV

Do you have your own tips on how to combat stress? Share them with us in the Comments area below.

Win the Ultimate Green Gift Bag!
To celebrate the Sundance Channel's new season of The Green (Tuesdays, 9 p.m. starting April 1), one lucky reader will win a luxury eco-goody bag -- with items from Lara Miller, Polartec, and more -- worth $2,500! For your chance to win, send in a response to this issue's "Share Your Wisdom:"

Share Your Wisdom
We'd like to hear from you. When's the last time you did something out of character, unplanned, or spontaneous? What effect did it have, and what surprised you about the act -- or results?

Share your message on this topic by mail or e-mail. Please include your name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Send your letters to: Mail, Body+Soul, 42 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or mail@bodyandsoulmag.com.

Look for your tip as well as a selection of stories and advice from readers in our August 2008 issue.

Look for a new Reader to Reader contest in each issue. No purchase necessary. Contest ends April 11, 2008. Void where prohibited. Click here for the contest rules.

First Published: April 2008