Stress: we all experience it and we all deal with it differently. However, what many do not realize is that stress is something that can hurt us critically in the long run. According to The American Institute of Stress, stress is the basic cause of 60% of all human illness and disease.

With this said, people are slowly heading towards something worse that can be prevented. Although it may seem impossible to eliminate stress, there are ways you can manage it. Here are some helpful tips on how to stay stress-free.

Try something new, you never know if it will work for you.

1. Sleep (This one is crucial!)

According to The American Institute of Stress, 44% of stressed people lose sleep every night. Some may experience lack of energy the following day which can cause more stress of not getting things done on time.

2. Exercise

Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress, according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America. 30 minutes a day can make a difference.

3. Read a book

Reading a book is definitely a way to “escape” all your stress for awhile. You get caught up in a fictional, or non-fictional, world that brings excitement to your life. Self-help books can also be very inspiring and motivating to make a change in your life. Recommended: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz.

4. Take a walk on the beach

The soothing and relaxing sounds of the beach have been known to bring tranquility into people’s lives. Grab a blanket, sunblock, your favorite books or magazines, snacks, and enjoy a peaceful day at the beach. The sunsets are worth waiting for!

5. Take a vacation from work

Your job could possibly be the #1 place where your stress is coming from which can even affect your work performance. It is crucial that you take a vacation in order to relax, catch up with your personal life and goals to get back to work more prepared than ever. According to The American Institute of Stress, the U.S. doesn’t legally require workers to take time off. In Spain and England workers are required to take 30 days of vacation.