There are certain activities that can reduce stress which are very tangible, including exercise, eating healthier and developing and nurturing friendships. But many individuals in Austin, Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas also find that looking within themselves can help them manage the difficult times.

At its core, spirituality can give individual lives context. Spirituality doesn't mean you're connected to a specific belief system or even that you participate in religious worship. It comes from that invisible connection you have with others and involves the development of a personal value system, as well as the search for the meaning in life.

For many individuals, spirituality takes on the form of religion, prayer, meditation or the belief in a higher power. For others, spirituality is discovered in nature, music, art or a secular community. It is different for everyone.

Spirituality has many benefits. Here's how it can help you:

- Focusing on personal goals. You may help uncover what's most meaningful in your life. By discovering what's important to you, you can rid your life of stress by determining what the unimportant things that seem to consume you are.

- Making a connection with the world. The more you feel you have a direction in the world, the less alone you'll feel and the greater inner peace you will have.

- Relinquishing control. As you begin to feel a part of a greater whole, you discover you're not responsible for all the good and bad in life. Share the burden of tough times and life's blessings with those around you.

- Extending your support network. Sharing your spirituality can help build relationships.

- Making your life healthier. People who are spiritual can cope better with stress and heal faster from illness or addiction.

Spirituality starts with how you see yourself, and how you are nurtured by your relationships with others. This culminates in a sense of purpose in your life. The best ways to grow in your spirituality are to improve your self-esteem and to cultivate relationships with individuals who are important in your life.

Here are ways that some have found help in spiritual growth:

- Using prayer, meditation and relaxation techniques to access their inner wisdom and help focus their thoughts.

- Starting a journal to help them express their feelings and record their progress.

- Finding a trusted adviser or friend who can help discover what's important in one's life. Other individuals may have insights you don't.

- Reading inspirational stories to find inspiration in life.

- Talking to others whom one admires. Asking them how they found their way to a spiritual life.

- Trying new things. When exploring organized religion, remember the variety of different faiths and their traditions. If your spirituality is more secular, consider expanding your horizons with the arts or music.

Staying connected to both your spirituality and to those around you can benefit your life, mentally as well as physically. How you define spirituality may change over time, but it should always form the basis of your well-being. It helps you reduce your stress levels while providing direction in your life.