give stress a rest

They were the butt of the joke when uttered by Stuart Smalley, the self-help guru from “Saturday Night Live.” Kidding aside, affirmations are a powerful way to combat stress. “They bring you back inside yourself instantly, making you calm and focused,” says Kathleen Hall, CEO of the Stress Institute and author of “A Life in Balance.” If the idea of chanting a self-affirming mantra makes you cringe, consider this: A study published in Psychology Science showed that affirmations reduced cortisol (a stress hormone) responses to stress. Use a positive statement that speaks to your particular need. If your stress is fear-based, try “I’m protected and guided.” If you’re feeling anxious, think, “I’m calm and balanced.” Repeat the words to yourself until you feel your outlook take a turn for the better.