You can't avoid daily stress. But you can keep stress under control - which can help prevent headaches. Consider these tips:
* Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, leave some things out. Ask yourself what really needs to be done, what can wait and what can be dropped entirely. It's OK to say no occasionally.
* Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day - both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and break large projects into manageable chunks. Tackle the rest one task at a time.
* Be prepared. Organize your day ahead of time. Anticipate challenges. Try to keep your plan flexible, in case a headache strikes and you need to change course.
* Let go. Don't worry about things you can't control.
* Adjust your attitude. If you find yourself thinking, "This can't be done," snap back to attention. Think instead, "This will be tough. But I can make it work." Putting a positive spin on negative thoughts can help you work through stressful situations.
* Relax. Set aside time for yourself every day, even if it's only a few minutes. When you feel your muscles begin to tense, breathe deeply. Inhale to the count of six, pause for a second and then slowly exhale.