Between worrying about making ends meet during a recession, staying healthy during flu season and dealing with everything else you have going on in your life, the stress adds up. But there are some easy things you can do to cope with all the tension. James S. Gordon, the author of “Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey out of Depression,” suggests:

Meditate. Several times a day, practice slow, deep breathing with eyes closed and belly relaxed.

Exercise regularly. It increases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain and decreases the levels of stress hormones.

Reach out to friends or family for comfort and support. Sometimes just talking with others can help you put things in perspective.