Headaches. Back aches. Stomach pain. Weight gain.  Insomnia. Low immunity. These are just some of the reactions from our bodies when we’re under a lot of stress. And while stress is a fact of life, there are some ways to manage your stress to keep your body balanced and avoid all those unwanted stress symptoms.

Try these tips to beat your stress and live a healthier life.

1.    Write. It’s important to get to the bottom of what’s stressing you out. By writing in a stress journal or a private blog, you’ll be able to clarify your problems better in your mind.

2.    Stretch. Whether it’s a yoga class or solo stretching in your bedroom, with every muscle you stretch, imagine the anxiety leaving your body. Breathe deeply and clear your head.

3.    Detox. Eat lots of whole, non-processed foods and drink plenty of water. By eating healthy and being mindful of what you consume, you’ll feel better.

4.    Talk. Sometimes you just have to let it out. Keeping emotions inside and not speaking up can make the stress worse. Let your emotions flow to a friend, family member, or someone you trust.

5.    Let go. There are certain things you can’t change. Learn to shake off those things without worry.

6.     Have fun. Do something you enjoy–take a bike ride, cook a new recipe, listen to music. Volunteer work can also be an awesome stress reliever, and it’s a good way to relieve others’ stress too.

7.    Get help. If you need help managing your stress, ask for it! A strong support system can help you recover from anxiety-inducing situations.

8.    Have a mantra. Say something to yourself whenever you’re feeling pressure as a reminder that you can and will conquer stress.

Remember you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed from time to time.  You have the power to look at the bigger picture and adjust your reactions. Find the stress beaters that work for you, and create a recovery plan for a healthier, happier, and much more balanced life.

Guest Contributor, Caitlin Heikkila, is the Community Manager at Everyday Health. Caitlin is constantly striving to achieve balance in her life, with a little help from bikram yoga and marathon training.