Today is National Stress Awareness Day

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and today is the pinnacle of that: National Stress Awareness Day. (The day is designed to fall the day after federal income taxes are due. Normally it's on the 16th, but due to the weekend and the D.C. holiday, this year it's on the 18th.)

So... are you aware of your stress? I certainly am, and while I'm hardly the best at shrugging off the stresses of the world, I thought I'd post my thoughts on how I beat stress, plus offer some links to other stories on the topic. Of course, I want to invite all of you to share your wisdom in the comments section!

My biggest technique when work becomes overwhelming is to sit down with a video game for half an hour to take my mind off of it. A game is much more immersive than watching TV, and I find that watching television or movies always leaves me with that nagging stress in the back of my mind. Playing a good video game manages to get me focused on the task at hand more closely. (Right now I'm finishing up Bully on the PS2 and playing Gears of War on the 360.) I recognize, sadly, that this may not fly at your office...

When in doubt, a quick walk always helps. It doesn't even have to be outside. I work on the bottom story of a three-level house, and a quick walk to the top floor and back can do wonders. It's a good trick when I don't have much time to spend away from my desk.

I've got a huge sweet tooth, and, for me, candy is king. I justify it a little snack by getting the dark chocolate-coated Raisinettes, which purportedly have lots of beneficial antioxidants (at least it says so on the bag)... and the sugar doesn't hurt your stress level! (If this isn't true, please don't burst my bubble!)

Those little foam stress balls are also amazing ways to work out petty anger and antsiness. Unfortunately my kids and the cat tend to run off with them. I need a bulk pack for Father's Day.

How about you? Aromatherapy? Meditation and yoga? Special beverages like green tea? Dedicated nap time? Copious alcohol? How do you beat stress in your life. While you're pondering that, here's what other sources (expert or not) have to say about beating the heat in your brain.

7 Ways to Beat Stress
Stress Busters
Eat to Beat Stress
Using Exercise To Beat Stress