Stress. It keeps you up at night. It makes your hair fall out. It makes you sick, literally.

It’s no secret that the Western way of life continues to get more complex as technology is updated, career demands rise and the desire for a well-rounded family life still tops our wish lists. Stress has become this country’s middle name – just call us the United States of Stressed-Out America.

How Do We Tame the Stress Demons? In Tibet they combine traditional medicine with the ancient custom of Ayurveda to find perfect balance. In Spain they take siesta – a mid-day break to spend quality time with loved ones or take a restful, energizing nap. In the U.S.…well, we try just about everything. Somehow, though, downing stimulating lattes to stay awake through early-morning yoga classes, and eating lunch at our desks to squeeze every minute out of our work days aren’t proving to be the healthiest tactics for handling all the pressure and anxiety.

A recent survey by USA Today found that almost half (48%) of all Americans believe their stress has increased over the past five years. It’s time we put stress to rest and start enjoying life again!

Starting Small: Your Health Comes First We accept stress as an inevitable part of life. What we tend to forget, is that we are ultimately in control of our stress level and how we allow it to affect us. The first step toward less stress is prioritizing your life – and putting your health first!

Without your health, you won’t even be able to enjoy all the things you work so hard for. So how do you fit stress-reducing time into a hectic lifestyle?

* Make Time – It’s your life, and though it may seem like you’re slave to an irritable boss or demanding child, you are ultimately the one in control! No one else is going to prioritize your life for you or force you to take time for yourself.

* Take Your Breaks – People tend to practically brag about how busy they are, but it’s hardly an achievement to work through your breaks and lunch hour. These "rest stops" in your day are a critical time for you to refresh and refuel. So get away from your computer. Take a walk around the block. Read a funny article. Do something to relieve a little stress and you’ll be more productive all-around!

* Eat for Your Health – Everyone’s had that 3 o’clock Snickers bar craving from time to time. Instead of succumbing to temptation, stock your home and work area with nuts, fruits and other energy-sustaining foods. You’ll have something healthy to reach for on an impulse, and you won’t suffer the energy crashes that quickly follow a high-sugar snack from the office vending machine.

* Multitask (The healthy way!) – Make sure time with your family and friends benefits your emotional and physical health. Take a family bike ride to your favorite ice cream shop, push your kids on the swings at the park, plan a camping weekend where you can swim and hike together. You’ll be connecting with people and nature, and getting some stress-relieving exercise at the same time!