"Aaaarrrrghhh! What is that idiot doing cutting me off like that?!? He almost caused an accident!"

"That damn boss of mine! How did he get that job anyway? I'm the one who should be in charge, but I don't know how to get there."

"How can I take of my kids and my parents at the same time? I can't deal with the stress anymore!"

In today's day and age, these are common examples of things causing stress in people's lives. Some of them are one-time (hopefully) events like the accident-causing idiot on the road.

Others are things that are on your mind every single day, especially work and family issues.

Both types of stressors, acute and chronic, can have a negative effect on the immune system.

What can you do to reduce the effect of stress on the immune system? Well, there are two major strategies to follow:

• Body: Improve your body's ability to handle the physiological effects of stress by boosting your immune system.
• Mind: Improve your ability to reduce the amount of stress you feel from the stressors by controlling your reactions to stress.

The key point is that YOU have the power to do something about the stress in your life. You DON'T have to accept it as a normal part of life. Remember this quote:

"Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept the things I can't change, and the wisdom to know the difference."

The 7 Ways

1. Healthy Diet A healthy diet is absolutely critical to boosting your immune system! Doing these three things will go a LOOOONG way in your quest for health:

1. Avoid sugar and refined grains
2. Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
3. Increase consumption of fresh organic fruits and vegetables

For more information on a healthy diet, I recommend you check out Dr. Joseph Mercola's "The Total Health Plan" book and Dr. Al Sears' "The Doctor's Heart Cure" book. Both can be purchased from major book sellers such as Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.

2. Supplements Two supplements that have proven extremely helpful in boosting the immune system are omega-3 fish oil and Shaklee NutriFeron. Just be sure to purchase a high-quality fish oil, such as from Shaklee, Carlsons Labs, or Dr. Barry Sears of The Zone fame.

3. Exercise Exercise is a terrific way to boost your immune system, as well as help reduce the effect of stress. Particulary effective are:

1. Strength training
2. Moderate- to high-intensity cardio
3. Yoga, Tai Chi, or similiar activities that focus on breathing, relaxation, and meditation.

Try one or all for maximum effect, and to keep from getting bored.

4. Emotional Freedom Technique The Emotional Freedom Technique has been proven to be a very effective means of helping people reduce stress, as well as deal with various issues such as addiction and fears. I can't do it justice by trying to explain it, but I highly recommend you check it out.

5. Relaxation techniques Effective techniques include:

1. Deep breathing exercises
2. Muscle relaxation
3. Meditation
4. Prayer
5. Massage therapy

As with exercise, try more than one for maximimum benefit.

6. Humor Laughter has been known to be one of the most powerful stress-reducers ever! Watch your favorite sitcom on TV, go to a comedy club, read a funny book. Whatever it takes to laugh long and hard, do it! And do it every day.

7. Strengthen or establish a support network It's hard to go through life alone. Take the time and make the effort to develop meaningful, mutually-beneficial relationships. You'll help not only yourself, but others as well.

If all else fails and you don't know what else to do, PLEASE seek professional help.

Conclusion Don't just accept the stress in your life. Do something about it! Use the tips in this article and website to boost your immune system and reduce the stress in your life. You'll be glad that you did.

"Just boost it!"