Stress is linked to disorders and diseases including anxiety, depression, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. A major cause is unresolved “trapped” emotions such as sadness, anger, and grief from difficult and traumatic experiences, Dr. Nelson says. “Most of the time we don’t recognize the connection that current experiences have with old traumas,” he says. “But if you’ve ever found yourself emotionally overreacting to any situation, you can assume that one or more trapped emotions were at fault.” Best-selling author of “The Emotion Code,” Dr. Nelson defines anxiety as “feeling that something is wrong but not knowing what it is. A generalized uneasiness or foreboding; a fear of the unknown; fear without a known source.” Dr. Nelson offers up his tips for coping with stress:

Discover and release emotional baggage – Energy healing techniques such as The Emotion Code can help lower stress levels by quickly identifying the underlying causes of negative emotional choices and nagging, harmful thoughts. For free instructions visit www.EmotionCodeGift.com.

Listen to your body – Pay attention to what your body needs, including healthy food, plenty of water, exercise, and rest. When you find yourself feeling low on energy, exhausted, or easily triggered by trying circumstances, your body may be telling you that you need more rest. Take a nap, go to bed early, or sleep in on your day off. And don’t be afraid to say “no” to if you catch yourself trying to do too much.

Take care of yourself emotionally – You may need specific things such as the emotional support of a spouse, a lunch date with a friend, or even just some time alone. Sometimes you just need to unplug, whether it’s a break outdoors during a busy workday, a weekend getaway, or a weeklong vacation. Look for ways to build regular breaks into your day to help you reset and give you the mental and emotional energy you need.