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Stress is a normal physical reaction that occurs when one feels threatened or overwhelmed. Stress can arise for a variety of reasons.

Time management and setting limits can help. In Part I of Dealing with Stress, we discussed the importance of a to-do List and how prioritizing tasks keeps stress at bay. Organizing your home and getting rid of clutter will help in the time management department as well. This certainly goes for your desk at work.

Eliminating the clutter around you will help clear your mind and get you through the tasks at hand in a more decisive manner.

The ability to set limits is vital to keeping stress at bay. There are only 24 hours in a day. Many people try to get a jump on the next day, but they pay the price.

Staying late at work, or staying up extra late for home responsibilities carries a toll with it. Lack of sleep can cause poor concentration, irritability and headaches just to mention a few symptoms. We have to realize that there are limits and boundaries that we have to draw to be comfortable in our lives.

We all have to develop the ability to say no. Women have a more difficult time saying no then men do. Most women are nurturers and find it very difficult to turn down a request, even if it disrupts their plans. Some women feel guilty or feel that their plans or tasks are not as important as someone else's. Sometimes saying that you have to give a request some thought can relieve the pressure of giving an immediate answer.

It is easy to become stressed due to daily activities and tasks.

Everyone in a family needs to share the duties of the household so all can have free time. A family isn't made up of just one person. Each member in a family needs to pull their weight.

Of course, the task has to be age appropriate. The youngest child can place napkins on the table at mealtime. In fact, children are more cooperative about tasks when they see each member of the family pitching in.

No one wants to spend their free time grocery shopping. However, grocery shopping is necessary and you may only have one day a week to do it. Take your spouse or older children with you and split the list. Organize the list by aisles and designate a time and meeting place. In this way, the task can be completed faster and the day enjoyed by everyone.

It is vital to ask for help. It doesn't mean you are incapable of doing the task. It simply means that you understand that there are just so many hours in a day and that you have the right to have some of them for your enjoyment.

The workplace is a prime area for stress. Projects, deadlines, dealing with an intern or just performing the usual everyday assignments may produce stress.

Remember, stress is a physical reaction when one feels threatened or overwhelmed. When a company downsizes, the work load remains the same and employees may feel stress.

It is certainly okay to help out due to illness of another employee or at vacation time. However, to do the work of two on a regular basis is not good for you. If this is the case, you may want to talk to your supervisor about the situation. If you feel that your talk has fallen on deaf ears, think about leaving your job. If leaving isn't an option, stay only the hours you were hired for.

Stress can be kept at bay in the workplace if you take your breaks and have a stress-free lunch. Taking long weekends instead of taking your full vacation at one time may also help reduce stress.

To understand the severity of stress in your life, think about frequency and duration. It may be helpful to consult a therapist if stress is making a negative impact on your life.

Marsha Goldstein, L.C.S.W., BCD is a licensed clinical social worker, board certified diplomate. She has a private practice in Pahrump and can be reached at (775) 751-9579.