By Fran Spelgatti

Most of us think of family as a haven from the stress of the world, the people who have to take us in no matter what. Yet families often cause stress, too, simply because they are family. Even the best families sometimes become a hodge-podge of anger, disappointment, unfulfilled expectations, pressure to change and bickering. However, family stress only creates problems if you let it. A report by the University of Illinois states that less stressed families find time to support and enjoy each other, are more flexible, communicate with each other, and have reasonable expectations. That is, they have the same problems, but different solutions!

It's never too late to learn better ways to deal with family stress. To help you on your way, here are a few tips for creating a less stressful family environment.

First, learn to say "no" to things that aren't really important. Remember, it's perfectly okay to say yes, but it's also perfectly okay to say no when you need to. You may need to say no to certain tasks in order to say yes to quality family time.

Second, let go of the compulsion to "get it all done." No one has superhuman strength, and believing you should only places even more stress on you. You need to realize there will always be some project in progress, and give yourself —and your family — credit for what has been accomplished.

Third, place reasonable expectations on your family. If you need to, remind yourself that everyone around you is making the best possible decisions with the information they have. People don't change overnight. In fact, some people may not change at all! You'll have less stress if you realize you can't control or change your family members and that you don't even need to try.

Fourth, don't let yourself be stressed by the expectations family members place upon you. You, too, are doing your best! You may not match what your family thinks you should be, but you don't need to. You are unique in all of creation, and you are perfectly lovable just as you are.

If you need help with any of the steps mentioned in this article, ask your local Positive Changes center for a personalized hypnosis session or a Hypno-Acceleration to meet your needs. Stress doesn't have to get the better of you! Take action and call 1-877-POSITIVE today.