Stress has thousands of causes, but, ultimately, there only one remedy - and that to let it go.

How can you let stress go? You can begin by knowing that in the long run too shall pass. Life is not an emergency. Just letting a problem be is often a good solution. Scarlett O knew how to handle stress. She would inevitably say, can think about that right now. If I do, I go crazy. I think about it tomorrow. Sometimes a little procrastination can do wonders.

When life gets rough, just stop, take a couple of deep breaths and chill out. There are lots of things you can do to slow down and let go. Take on a new point of view of the situation, take a break, take a nap, take a bath or take a walk. They all work. Just don take a valium. That doesn work.

Other stress busting techniques include improving your diet, exercising on a regular basis and getting enough rest. You can also ask for support from family and friends. Be selfish and take good care of yourself. Remember that if you not happy, for the most part, nobody around you is going to be happy either.

The problem is most people get so caught up in life soap opera they lose perspective. They forget that being cool, calm and collected - no matter what going on - is the source of all success, health, wealth and happiness.

Follow Lily Tomlin advice - fast-acting relief, slow down. Slowing down changes your perspective and empowers you to see that you don have to be a victim. There are actions you can take that will give you more control of your life. You can set reasonable and attainable goals, stop overcommitting yourself, give up perfectionism and minimize or even eliminate most of your sources of stress.

As the Serenity Prayer suggests, change the things you can and learn to accept the things you can change. If you follow these guidelines, stress will be a small, manageable part of your life.