An immediate stress reducer is necessary when someone becomes so stressed that he/she is unable to function in social or professional situations. Stress is a normal body reaction to situations where a person feels overwhelmed and unable to cope. Usually, he/she recognizes the cause of the stress and begins to take steps to reduce it. However, there are many people who so used to be stressed that they are unaware of it. Such prolonged stress can lead to physical and emotional problems that require medical attention. Taking anti-depressants as a stress reducer only relieves the symptoms of stress and does not reduce the stress itself.

Changing your outlook on life is the most effective stress reducer one can use. Stress is caused by one's perception of problems and very often the perception is unrealistic. The events in life do not cause stress, but the view one takes of them. Changing the feeling one has about certain situations helps to relieve stress and reduces the worry involved. This change also creates a new understanding of the problem that often makes it easier to deal with.

Dealing with stress involves learning how to relax and becoming more aware of yourself. One stress reducer that has been found to be helpful to many is to distance yourself from the event or situation by taking a walk or doing some enjoyable physical exercise. Careful planning also reduces stress before it starts. Having several projects on the go at the same time and not being able to handle the extra work causes stress that can be relieved by a simple plan of attack for each project. You need to recognize the limits of your time and ability. Taking time out for yourself is a way of reducing stress that many do not think of and continue to work and worry about their performance.

There are a lot of ways that one can reduce stress. These are just a few of the suggestions you can use as a stress reducer when you find yourself feeling you can't cope.