Stress: The physical or mental pressure, pull or other force exerted on one thing by another; strain.

In case you have not heard, MD247 wanted to remind you that April is National Stress Awareness Month.

A measured amount of stress can be good in life, in that it provides a jolt of energy and keeps us aware of the things going on around us. However, even though stress is a daily occurrence, it remains important to keep it in check. When left to its own devices, stress can exacerbate health conditions ranging from heart disease to depression and anxiety. Stress even has the ability to worsen ulcers.

Fortunately, your friends at telemedicine provider MD247.COM have brought you a list of ways to bust stress.

• Garden - Providing care is extremely stressful, but a 2008 survey showed that gardening may help to reduce stress.
• Laugh - The Mayo Clinic reported on a review that laughter also promotes endorphin release in the brain and relaxes the muscles.
• Sound - Are you a music lover? If so, stress-relieving exercises that focus on your auditory sense may work particularly well.
• Physical Activity - If you tend to shut down when you’re under stress, activities that get you moving may be helpful.
• Read – Just six minutes of reading is enough to help you beat stress, the Telegraph reported.
• Call Mom - Even if she's not there in person, a call to mom can help lower stress.
• Bring Your Dog to Work - A recent study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management showed that bringing your dog to work could help to lower office stress and boost employee satisfaction.

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