The feeling of uneasiness, seasoned with a mixture of dread, panic and fear can be termed as anxiety. We all encounter bouts of anxiety, every now and then. However, the difference lies in how we deal with it. Do we let it eat us up or do we look for ways to relieve stress and anxiety, so as to overcome it. Stress can prove deleterious and needs to be handled, because unnecessary fear and dread just destroys one's mental and physical health. Life is too short to be spent worrying, and before you know it, life will be over. At the end of your days on earth, you do not want to look back and see that all you did throughout your life was worry! Things to do to Relieve Stress Here are some ways to relieve stress and to calm your troubled spirit. Pray Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The Lord knows what we go through and so He has provided the necessary guidance in His Word. He commands us to not be anxious, but come before Him in prayer and lay our requests before Him, with thanksgiving in our hearts. This is the best way to relieve stress. Take heart my friends, our Creator cares for us! He will protect and guard our lives. Give Him your burdens and relax! Talk to a Friend Good friends are God's gifts to us. Some friends stick closer than a brother and help us go through horrendous times in our lives. Why is it important to talk about your problem? Because bottling it will only suffocate you. Talk to a friend who is trustworthy and will be a good listener. Share your anxiety and ask your friend to pray for you. James 5 says, 'And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Massage Another stress buster is massage therapy. Remember, massages are not the solution, however, it definitely calms you down and helps you relax. Whatever problem you are dealing with, still needs to be sorted out. So don't go get a massage with the hope that your problems will disappear after the massage. Massages are pampering times that help you just sit back and enjoy. Aromatherapy Therapy based on the concept of utilizing liquid materials (essential oils) from plants to bring about soothing effects to the mind and body is called aromatherapy. The essential oils stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the brain that relax our mind and body. It also eliminates toxins and increases blood circulation. There are different aromatherapy recipes for stress that one can use to massage the body. Moreover, aromatherapy candles are also available, which when lit bring about soothing and calming effects. Consuming Right Foods Eating foods that help reduce stress will prove beneficial in the long run. A healthy diet ensures the right chemical balance in one's brain. If the chemical balance in the brain tips, brain chemical disorders are triggered. Thus, try to eat fruits and vegetables, which will help maintain the right chemical balance. Trans fat tends to block chemical reactions in the body, thus, it is advisable to eat foods with little or no trans fat. People feel that smoking and caffeine intake will help reduce stress, however, if you are stressed out, avoid these stimulants. Besides the above-mentioned methods, there are some herbal remedies as well, such as drinking herbal tea. Herbs like Saint John's Wort, Kava, Skullcap, Oatstraw, etc. can be used to treat mild cases of depression, anxiety symptoms, etc. They also induce sleep and help your body relax. However, consult your healthcare provider before taking any herb. Moreover, exercise, taking hot baths, going for walks, listening to music, carrying out your favorite hobby, etc. also helps relieve stress. Above all, smile and know that you are safe in your Creator's hands!