Supportive friends and family can help you keep things in perspective. Talk to them about how you are trying to manage the stress in your life. Think about the ways they could help to support you and communicate these thoughts to them.

If your family or current friends are not a good source of support, find support from other acquaintances. Is there a co-worker with whom you could share some of what you are learning about managing your stress? Is there a support group at work or in your community? A religious or spiritual organization? How about a volunteer opportunity? Think about joining a club or taking a class to meet new people. Choose something that captures one of your interests—you'll have more in common with the others.

Your support network is not limited to people. Research shows that pets are great antidotes to stress. If it's practical for you and you have the time and resources to properly care for an animal, you may think about adopting a pet. If you already have one, spend time enjoying its affection. As funny as it may sound, taking care of plants is also an antidote to stress for many people. Just the act of taking care of something seems to help take our minds off of our problems and builds a relationship that can be comforting. Whether it's an animal or a "green buddy," the act of caring, feeling connected, and nurturing can significantly reduce stress.

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