There are four major themes to remember as we look to improve our ability to handle stress. First, a productive and positive mindset helps us overcome mental challenges associated with reducing and managing stress. Second, an understanding of the environment and how it affects us allows us to work through or around those things we sometimes view as obstacles in handling stress. Third, a solid approach will enable you to lower stress. This approach must be grounded in consistent action. And finally, we have to maintain the right perspective and understand what it truly means to make progress.