If you are able to reduce stress, you could lead a longer life. Stress is a factor not only in short-term discomfort, but also in illnesses that could be life-threatening, like heart attacks and cancer. Angela Yang, a nurse practitioner with American Health Network in Zionsville, says you can take some simple steps to avoid those problems.

She describes bad stress (and yes, there is good stress) as coming with nausea, vomiting, heart pounding, high blood pressure, heartburn, headache, muscle tension, gut problems and sleep problems.

“If you have chronic, constantly feeling that way, you might have anxiety and depression later on,” she said.

Yang said your body is not designed to remain in a tense state all the time.

But, maintaining regular physical activity and exercise is one of the main ways to reduce stress. When you work out, your body releases serotonin, which naturally makes you feel happy. But, workouts come with other benefits to cut down on long-term troubles.

“Not only does it build stronger bones and muscles, but it also builds a stronger heart to pump your blood, managing a healthy weight, and reducing chronic pain and other chronic issues,” she said.

Yang said it’s also important to get good sleep, and to find ways to live in the present, rather than constantly worrying about what’s going to happen or what has happened.

“When you’re working out and other things like meditating and yoga, you’re focused on the present. You’re focused on your breathing. That really, really helps,” she said.

Yang also stressed a healthy diet, with fewer carbs and plenty of protein and fiber.

“Fiber is like the magic pill for staying young to stay alive. Foods with good fiber such as green vegetables, fruit, beans, those kinds of things are good for you.”

April is Stress Awareness Month. Yang suggests that if you feel stress is becoming a dominant factor in your life, you should talk to your doctor, who will be able to help you with a plan to reduce stress and get healthy and stay there.