Stress kills your self-control. Make it a priority in your life to keep your stress levels in check. If you need to relax, choose activities that will promote long-term wellbeing rather than techniques that will result in a short burst of relief.

Since physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce the level of stress, it should be the first keystone habit to introduce in your life. If you already exercise on a regular basis, here are a few more ways to reduce your stress:

1. Read a book. Reading a book in silence is a simple way to forget about the world around you and restore your energy.

2. Go for a walk (especially in nature). Studies show44 that exercise in green spaces such as forests and parks promotes well-being and recovery from stress.

3. Meditate. We already discussed how powerful it is.

4. Get a massage. Some people still consider it awkward to get a massage from a stranger, even though it has been proven45 to be a powerful way to alleviate stress.

5. Spend time with friends and family. Enjoying the company of people close to you will help you forget about your troubles. And once you focus on your problems again, they will be easier to solve.

6. Cuddle or have sex. Physical intimacy (even a simple hug) results in the release of oxytocin, and serotonin, two powerful stress-relieving hormones.

7. Listen to music. Music helps relieve stress and improves mood. Studies have also found it has a small pain-relieving effect.

The key to reduce stress effectively is to focus on techniques that provide a longer stress-relieving response, not a quick release of tension.

Please refer to the book for more details on this activity.