Those who feel overwhelmed by work and family pressures can break out of this negative cycle and make life more calm, says Di Blasi, by prioritizing time dedicated to professional duties and family. "Besides helping you get your work done more efficiently, creating schedules for work promotes feelings of balance, empowerment, and hope," says Di Blasi. "Creating a schedule and sticking to it is one of the best coping skills you can use to master stress," she says, "because it often leads to more focused, organized, and motivated behavior."

To help you start, here are some small steps and radical improvements for prioritizing your time and responsibilities.

3. Exercise
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in San Diego, California, even a moderate physical workout such as walking can generate from 90 to 120 minutes of post-exercise euphoria, or relaxation response.

One theory about exercise's stress-busting benefits posits that exercise stimulates chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are produced in the brain and are believed to mediate moods and emotions. Exercise helps kill stress, researchers believe, because it releases pain-killing neurotransmitters such as endorphins.

Furthermore, "Moving outdoors expands your awareness, which is the best antidote for the stress that comes from intense focus on the problem at hand," says Dr. Simon. "Take a walk, ride your bike, power walk, jog in the park, or rollerblade," Dr. Simon suggests. "Even if you're in the habit of driving to your gym or fitness classes, park your car a couple of blocks away and move your body to and from the site."

More Strategies
To discover more stress management strategies, start with these resources:
ThirdAge Guide to Stress Relief
The Rejuvenator