Stress can manifest itself in many ways in our body. Take a minute to focus on your shoulders: are they relaxed, stiff or strained? How about your jaw – is it loose or clenched? Tight or tense muscles, headaches, increased heart rate, uneven breathing, or a rise in body temperature are all common physical responses to stress. Stress may also be felt in the mind in the form of racing thoughts, worrying, sadness, irritability or anger. Chronic, unmanaged stress can lead to serious health issues, that’s why managing stress is essential to healthy living and improving your quality of life. Here are nine things you can do in your immediate environment to create a stress-free zone and manage stress effectively.