Summer heat can often exacerbate tension -as the temperature rises, so do many tempers, while patience and tolerance seem to drop to low levels. How can you avoid this?

As the heat of summer drones on, we tend to often feel we are the drones. Why does it seem you're the only one working - and how do those others get away with, well, whatever they get away with? If you're feeling this way, chances are you feel overwhelmed with work, probably due to the weather. Or the lack of a (seemingly) deserved promotion. Or the lack of taking a proper vacation FROM your work environment. For whatever reason, you need to learn how to de-stress from tension - for any situation.

First of all, you need to figure out if this stress is long term, or has just recently evolved. Why? If the situation has been on-going, you may want to consider other options. You spend too much of your life at work, you might as well enjoy it! Too much stress is NOT good - and it means you may want to find another line of work or place of employment. Check out "When to Quit, When to Stay" for help in deciding.

Now, if the tension is due to some problems at work, or the summer, or has just recently evolved, try these proven stress busters for varying situations.

Count to Ten: Yep, the old stand by. But so true. Before you blow up and say something you'll regret later - count to ten. Or just take a deep breath. Or look away, pause, and then react. All these suggestions are designed to give you a moment of quiet, for the body and mind to react together, rather than the mouth running on its own. Good for the moment of the situation.

Take a walk: Yes, it's okay to even tell the person "I'll be back in a few moments after I think about your comments". The idea is to get yourself away from the situation for a short time, to be able to calm down and think clearly about the situation.

Get a drink: And nope, this is not an excuse to get into the alcohol. Go get water, coffee, tea, whatever you choose. Again, the idea is to get away from the situation for a moment while you think about the problem.

Take a day off: AND THIS MEANS A DAY OFF - do NOT answer calls from the office or co-workers; do NOT use the time to do chores. This is a day FOR YOU. So, go to a matinee, curl up with that book, spend a day at the beach without the weekend crowds, go shopping for yourself, etc. It's amazing how you'll feel after a day like this.

Really take a vacation: yep, DO IT. While a change is as good as a rest, we sometimes just need to get away from it all - and this does not mean you have to go away - just DON'T do all those "fixings" you have been putting off. Be a lounge lizard or an extreme adventurer - whatever YOU want to do. The idea is you can be home, but forget about the usual "home" chores. So often we feel a vacation must be spent DOING something, and forget the idea is just to relax.

And if all else fails - imagine (this does mean in your mind and not in reality!) throwing your cup of water at the offending person. At least you'll laugh or smile, and that may be enough to diffuse the situation and feel better.