It’s no secret that stress has negative effects on your health. But did you know that chronic stress more than doubles the risk of having a heart attack? These are odds that you may want to consider. Luckily, reducing stress will not only improve your attitude but it might just save your life.

The following simple stress-reducing pointers can be easily incorporated into your everyday life.

Sleep: Don’t skimp on sleep! One of the easiest ways to manage stress is getting a good night’s sleep.

Relax: It’s not always easy to relax when your blood is boiling. If you have a hard time cooling off try these easy relaxation practices: breathe deeply and slowly for at least a minute; take a midday nap; spend some time with your pet; and laugh!

Exercise: Studies have shown that exercising is a surefire way to relieve stress. Try starting off with just 15 minutes a day, five days a week.