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Stress is a part of life, but too much long term stress can affect your health, and your cancer risk.

¡°Prolonged stress , affects tumor development and makes it harder for your body to remain healthy,¡± says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of integrative medicine at MD Anderson.

Try these quick tips to combat stress. Within five minutes, you¡¯ll feel re-energized.

1.       Brief relaxation

Even just a few minutes of meditation can help you de-stress.

• Sit with a straight, relaxed back.
• Focus your attention on your breath and let all other thoughts disappear.
• Do a few, slow, deep breathes (breathing with your lower belly instead of your chest).
• Inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts. 
• Focus your attention on each muscle in your body.
• Move your tension downward, from your face, down your neck, shoulders, stomach, legs and out of your feet.
• Imagine all your tension is now on the floor.
• Feel your muscles relax and soften. 
• Concentrate on the center of your chest, imagining a deep calm and peace at your core.
• Spend a few minutes in this state of tranquility, focusing on your center and slow breathing.

2.       Visual imagery

• Also known as guided imagery, this exercise is used widely for relaxation and stress management.
• Find a comfortable chair or bed.
• Close your eyes.
• Visualize a place, such as a garden or beach, where you feel safe and at peace.
• Look around this place slowly. Notice every detail.
• Use all your senses to make this place as real as possible.
• Think about what you see, feel, hear and smell.  
• Repeat to yourself, "I¡¯m relaxed. I¡¯m safe here."
• Spend a few minutes enjoying the feeling of deep relaxation.
• Open your eyes when you are ready.

3.       Deep breathing

Concentrating on your breathing can increase the flow of oxygen to your body and make you feel more relaxed.

• Sit with a straight, relaxed back.
• Place your feet on the floor if you are in a chair.
• Cross your legs if you are sitting on the floor.
• Breathe normally.
• Pay close attention to your breath as it exits and enters the body. 
• Do a few, slow, deep breathes (breathing with your lower belly instead of your chest).
• Inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts.
• Don't try to control your thoughts.
• If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the breath.
• Spend a few minutes concentrating on each breath until you are completely relaxed.

4.       Stretching

Relieve stress by doing simple stretch exercises. They , while increasing flexibility and relieving muscle tension.

• Sit on a straight-backed chair.
• Hold a belt (or rolled up towel) in your right hand.
• Inhale and extend your right arm upwards, letting the belt dangle behind you.
• Exhale and bend your right arm at the elbow.
• Push your left shoulder back as you reach around to grasp the end of the belt with your left hand.
• Move your hands closer together while holding the strap and keeping your spine straight.
• Don¡¯t bend your head and neck forward.
• Take five breaths.
• Switch arms and repeat on the other side.