You probably aren’t able to avoid all forms of stress in your life, no matter how hard you try. But there are some healthy ways to cope with what comes your way.

Everyone experiences stress at one point or another. It can be caused by the emotional upheaval of losing a job, having an argument with someone, taking care of children while also working outside the home, and living with illness or pain. Stress is not always bad; it can motivate us to meet challenges and solve problems (think “second wind” that some people get while exercising).

However, when stress begins to interfere with daily activities, prevent you from sleeping well at night, make you feel anxious or depressed on most days, it becomes unhealthy. The American Psychological Association (APA) lists the following signs of unhealthy stress:

• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Having constant, unproductive worries about life’s problems
• Being irritable or grouchy much of the time
• Feeling fatigued and lacking energy on most days (not doing what you normally do because you feel too tired/low-energy)

“Stress also can signal that your body needs help to deal with whatever is stressing it out,” says psychologist Glenn Rauch, Ph.D., director of mental health services for Penn Medicine at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Here are some stress management tips that may help you reduce stress in your life:

Take a walk in nature

Being in nature and connecting with the earth offers many people a sense of peace, says Mike Samuels, Ph.D., LCSW, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the University of California at Irvine School of Medicine.

Try to incorporate 20 minutes of walking in nature into your day (maybe during lunch or another break), he suggests. “Stress often starts with thoughts like, ‘I don’t have time for this,’ or ‘This isn’t going to work,'” he notes. Getting outdoors, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, can give you some perspective and help you relax.

For those who can do so, Samuels recommends taking a long walk during the day. “If you have trouble focusing or staying seated, ask your boss if it’s OK for you to take a short walk around the building during work hours,” he suggests.

Spend time with friends or family members

Spend time with people who provide you with support and joy. People often underestimate the power of social connections. Studies show that strong social relationships can help protect against stress, says psychologist Rick Luechtefeld, Ph.D. dean of students at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Illinois.

Connection with others also improves self-esteem, which can be one way to combat stress. “People who have a sense of meaning and purpose in life — which often comes from social connections — experience less stress,” he explains.

Participate in activities that you enjoy

It’s OK to let yourself veg out every once in a while, says psychologist Tamar E. Chansky, Ph.D., author of “Freeing Yourself from Anxiety.” For example, you might see a movie or spend some time reading your favorite magazine (or listening to music).

Taking time like this can give you a sense of emotional balance and make it easier for you to face difficult situations the rest of the day, she adds. When you’re feeling stressed, Chansky suggests asking yourself: What would bring me joy right now?

If you don’t think of something, she says to consider what gives your life meaning and purpose outside of work. She also recommends prayer and meditation if these practices resonate with you.

Know what triggers stress for you

If you know a certain person or situation tends to make you feel stressed out, plan how you might handle it differently. For instance, if arguing with a family member always leaves you feeling emotionally drained afterward, try not to schedule time with them when things are especially busy at the office. Or let that relative know that this is a difficult time for you and ask if they can reschedule for another day.

“We all have days when nothing seems to go right, but this may become a chronic pattern if you don’t manage it well,” says Luechtefeld. “It’s better to try to fix what is causing the stress rather than trying to avoid everything.” He suggests asking yourself: What do I need to feel good about myself?

Be aware of how stress affects your body and mind

If you feel overwhelmed by all of your responsibilities, take a few minutes once in a while to relax and breathe deeply — even if you’re at work — suggests Chansky. “Close your eyes and focus on breathing more slowly,” she advises. Before you know it, you’ll feel better and be more able to handle those stressful tasks.

Another important thing to remember is that stress can have a detrimental effect on your physical health, says Luechtefeld. “Many people think they cannot afford the time to take care of themselves when they are stressed,” he explains. “But significant research has shown that failing to manage stress well has negative effects on physical health.”

With treating your physical health due to stressors, a health and wellness center can provide you with more stress management tips and tools for coping with everyday stressors like traffic jams, noisy neighbors, and uncooperative coworkers. You’ll also learn more about holistic treatment options that can help you enjoy greater peace of mind and appreciate the positive things in life.

Try using humor or positive self-talk

Talk about something good to let go of negative feelings. If you find yourself spiraling down into worry or depression after an especially bad event, Luechtefeld recommends focusing on the humorous aspects of any given situation. If your car was towed after parking illegally, for instance, laugh about how funny it would be if someone stripped your car while trying to get it back.

Compliment yourself on something you did well (it can be as simple as keeping your desk clean or responding quickly when a coworker asks for some help). It’s also helpful to write down the things that are going well, even if this means putting them in a mental file folder and waiting until the end of the day to read them over again, says Luechtefeld.

Overall, stress is a fact of life. But you can take steps to manage everyday stressors better and keep them from affecting your health. In addition to these stress management tips, you might find it helpful to consult a trained therapist. At a wellness center, therapists will help you learn how to deal with everyday stressors and reduce their negative effects on your life.