Today is Stress Awareness Day, and keeping stress in check is important to your health and your overall life satisfaction. According to the American Heart Association, stress can result in physical aches and pains, negative feelings, low energy, and lack of sleep. This, in turn, can negatively affect your long-term health, work performance, and relationships.

It's important to be aware of your stress and its sources, and take steps to reduce the stress in your life. 

Following are 7 ways to reduce your own stress and create a happier, healthier lifestyle.

1. Identify the sources of your stress and consider ways to change or remove that which causes you stress.
2. Avoid negative responses to stress such as over-eating or drinking alcohol.
3. Exercise daily, even for 20-30 minutes.
4. Keep a journal about your feelings related to the source of your stress. Writing can help you better understand your responses to stress and brainstorm actions for dealing with your stress.
5. Talk about your stress and your feelings with a trusted friend or loved one.
6. Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
7. Laugh. Whether it's with friends, watching a comedy, or reading a funny book, laugh out loud. Keep laughter prominent in your life. It works wonders.

For more information on stress reduction and creating a healthy lifestyle, go to heart.org.

How do you best manage your stress?