Stress can have a significant effect on your health and well-being. Over time, stress can cause physical, mental, emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Keeping yourself healthy helps you deal better with stress. Some ways to help you live a healthier lifestyle include:

Getting enough sleep – When you don’t get enough sleep, you may be too tired to cope with stress. Also, stress can prevent you from sleeping well or may keep you awake. If you experience this, try reading or listening to soothing music before bed.

Make time for yourself – Too much to do, too little time – a common theme in most people’s lives. Try to spend a few minutes each day doing something you enjoy. This can improve the quality of your life and mental outlook and can help put you in a better state of mind for coping with stress.

Eat right – To keep your energy level steady, eat healthy meals and snacks at home and at work. It’s easy to grab a bag of chips or cup of coffee, but the initial boost soon wears off. And try not to skip meals. Low-fat diets rich in whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are the healthiest.

Exercise – Working out helps burn off the negative energy of stress. Doing something active that you enjoy also helps you get away from stressful situations. Try walking, jogging, skating, biking, swimming, yoga or team sports. Yoga and tai chi are great for relaxation too.

Have fun – Trying a new hobby, planning a fun trip, meeting up with friends or seeing a movie are great ways to break away from stressors and enjoy yourself.