Knowing what causes stress for you can help you cope with it better and provide mental and emotional relief. Common causes of stress include: work, family, health concerns, unrealistic expectations, cynical and negative attitudes, sudden traumatic events.

Vitamins and minerals are required to ensure healthy brain and neurological functionality. The Vitamin B Group is particularly relevant to the brain, depression and stress susceptibility. Vitamin C is essential to protect against stress too.

Toxins such as alcohol, tobacco smoke, excessive salt, steroids, and other pollutants work against the balance between minerals, vitamins mind and body. Excessive toxins from these sources will increase stress susceptibility and stress itself.

Physical exercise is one of the most effective strategies for getting rid of stress. Exercise releases helpful chemicals in our brain and body that are good for us. Exercise distracts us from the causes of stress. Exercise warms and relaxes cold, tight muscles and tissues that contribute to stress feelings. Exercise develops and maintains a healthy body, which directly reduces stress susceptibility.

You may be experiencing stress because your life has become out of balance. You may be spending too much time and energy on work or on caring for others at the expense of your own health and well-being. Delegate or share your responsibilities at work and at home. Avoid difficult colleagues, family members, and acquaintances. It may be necessary to reorganize your schedule in order to maintain a more balanced life. Think ahead about how you're going to spend your time. Make a "to-do" list. Figure out what's most important to do. Prioritize tasks and then work on the most important ones. Delegate less important tasks. Schedule extra time for tasks, in case of interruptions. It's important to care for yourself.

No matter how busy you are, set aside at least 15 minutes each day in your schedule to do something for yourself, like going for a walk or calling a friend.