Health Tip: Keep Stress at Bay

(HealthDay News) -- Some stress is unavoidable, but there are things you can do to prevent stress from taking over your life and making health problems worse.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

• Stick to a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, avoid smoking and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

• Don't allow others to make demands or set expectations for you. Say no, and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.

• Take time every day just to relax.

• Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself, but understand that you can't control everything.

• Figure out what causes you stress in your life. Eliminate what you can, and learn how to manage other sources of stress.

• Remind yourself of what you do well and successes that you've had.