According to the American Psychological Association, 54 percent of Americans report that they are concerned with their level of daily stress and one in four workers reports taking a mental health day off from workplace to cope with stress. The American Institute of stress reports that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. A 2007 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that depression and cardiovascular disease are linked to psychological stress. 
stress is pervasive. You experience it at home, at work, and frequently on the road. Unsurprisingly, if you are stressed, people close to you will also experience stress. Your loved ones and coworkers can suffer because you are having trouble managing your stress and vice-versa.
“Emotional stress is contagious,” says Kimberly McKenna, a family systems specialist, coach, and Director of the Center for Family Leadership at the Oceanside Institute. She adds, “But one calm, composed person can change a whole system of connected people.” That means your ability to cope with stressors can be infectious and that you can bring down the stress you experience as well as the stress of those around you.
When stress has you reaching your limit, how can you most effectively handle it? Stay calm and composed
This is easier said than done – but possible. McKenna suggests “[separating] facts from feelings.” Before you blow your top, look at stressful situations as objectively as possible to understand the situation from a thinking perspective rather than from a purely emotional stance. Keep a positive attitude
Sources of stress may be impossible to change but you can change your attitude. Look for the silver linings. Instead of gnashing your teeth when you are stuck in traffic, use the time to reflect on happy things. Sarah Wassner Flynn, author of The Book of Happy Things suggests thinking of things that delight you. “The last thing you may feel like doing is smile – but it works! To get yourself into a positive mindset, think of the things that makes you happy and promise yourself you'll connect with at least one of those things as soon as you can.” She adds, “Whether it's indulging in an ice cream sundae or getting a massage, having something to look forward to will give you the energy you need to get through the stress.” Be flexible
If you find you are meeting constant opposition in either your personal or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies stressful feelings. If you know you are right, stand your ground, but do so calmly and rationally. Make allowances for the opinions of others and be prepared to compromise or accommodate. If you are willing to give in, others may meet you halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to your problems. Take care of yourself
When stress persists, the body begins to break down and illnesses can occur. Do not wait for stress to wear you out, practice self-care on a daily basis. Get enough sleep at night, take power naps if you get tired during the day, eat a healthy, balanced diet, get regular exercise, and make a daily ritual of deep breathing. Check out Dennis Lewis' 10 Secrets of Authentic Breathing for a deep-breathing how-to.