(HealthDay News) -- Stress can bring you down emotionally, and it can also take a toll on your physical health.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions for dealing with stress:

• Talk to yourself in a positive way. Say to yourself, "I'll do the best I can," when dealing with a significant problem or task.
• Find things that make you happy, and do them often, whether it's beginning a craft project, watching a favorite movie or a taking on a new hobby.
• Truly relax each day, using methods such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
• Perform activities to help stop stress as it occurs, such as by taking a quick walk or stepping away from a problem for a few minutes.