Stress is an unhealthy thing. And, the bad part of it is, Americans seem to face more than they ever have before, even if some of it is of our own creation.

Finding ways to manage stress and live a happy and productive life are no small tasks and many of us will likely spend our lifetimes trying to find just the right combination to do so.

There is help out there. And, no, I am not talking about Tony Robbins or those other self-help gurus.

I mean just simple advice that can really make all the difference in the world.

Ironton pastor Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr., the executive director of the KYOWVA Evangelistic Association, recently shared this list that combined old axioms, common sense and faith.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, these can be good words to live by.

Here are Allen’s “Christian ways to reduce stress:”

1. Take one day at a time.

2. Go to bed on time and get up on time so you can start the day leisurely.

3. Every day, find time to be alone and meditate.

4. Learn to say “No” to things which you do not have time for in your schedule.

5. Be kind to unkind people. Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. NIV

6. Make simpler things to dismiss confusion in your life.

7. Pray a great deal and schedule at least a few minutes daily for personal devotions.

8. Allow plenty of time to do things and to get to places.

9. Make friends with Godly people and covet their advice.

10. Carry a Bible or a devotional book with you to read while waiting in line.

11. Eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise and watch your weight.

12. Listen to a tape or a CD, while driving, that can help improve your quality of life.

13. Write down thoughts as they come to you & keep a pen and paper at your bedside.

14. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and then turn it over to Him.

15. Live within your budget; attempt to pay off credit cards at the end of each month.

16. Have backups, such as; extra car key and house key in your wallet, a set behind your license plate.

17. Keep your mouth shut, which is good advice and can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

18. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

19. Develop a forgiving attitude and talk less & listen more.

20. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you have never been grateful for before.

God has a way of turning things around for the Christian. “… If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Those are Hoyt’s suggestions and I can’t say I disagree.

And here is one more that is often attributed to author Richard Carlson.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff … and everything is small stuff.”

Following advice like this can help keep life in perspective and keep your body healthier in the process.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.