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Here are the top 25 ways to stress less, reach your goals and feel happier every single day.

1. Show off, in style. Lost weight but need to drop a few more pounds? It makes sense to wait until you reach your goal to buy a whole new wardrobe, but do invest in a few fabulous pieces that fit you right now. When your clothes fit well, your progress starts to show — and that has the power to foster self-confidence and keep you motivated to continue working out and eating healthy.

2. See your good side. Instead of zeroing in on your trouble zones when you look in the mirror, consciously shift your attention to body parts you may rarely think about — like your beautiful eyebrows, mouth, shoulders and hands. Then take a minute to describe them — out loud — in positive terms. This helps you get a more complete picture of your attributes and gives your body image an instant boost.

3. Stop watching the workout clock. When you’re using any cardio machine (treadmill, bike, elliptical trainer), put a towel over the display screen so you can concentrate on how exercise makes you feel terrific rather than on how long you’ve been working out or on how many miles you’ve got left. You’ll have a better appreciation for what your body can do if you’re not caught up in the numbers.

4. Find realistic role models. Ask women you know for real-life advice on coping with stress, losing weight and juggling work and family. Seeing what helps the people around you will give you ideas for simple strategies that can also work for you.

5. Set simple, but doable, priorities. Attempting to accomplish everything perfectly is impossible — and leads to a sense of failure and unhappiness. Instead, trim your to-do list so you can focus your efforts on the things that are most important to you today.

6. Strike the right balance. Too busy trying to be a good friend, spouse, mother, daughter, neighbor and employee that you neglect your own needs? Put your well-being first by doing something for you — even if that means just getting a manicure to pamper yourself — at least once a week.

7. Give your life meaning. Sound lofty? Maybe not. Research at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro found that people who have a sense of purpose are much happier in the long run. To create a vision of what’s meaningful to you, ask yourself what excites you and what goals matter most.

8. Get moving. The easiest way to ease tension is by doing some sort of exercise every single day (even if it’s just for a few minutes). Working out is a proven way to lower stress hormones and boost feel-good endorphins.

9. Don’t put off what you can do today. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, break your project into small, doable chunks and set a schedule for how you’ll make advances toward your goal each day. Procrastination only increases anxiety.

10. Be a health advocate. Feeling concerned about someone else’s well-being can cause stress. Encourage others — your husband, mother, sister or brother and friends — to be proactive about their own health. Make a pact with loved ones so they get necessary screening tests like mammograms, colonoscopies and Pap smears; then you can worry about them less.

11. Get outside! Surrounding yourself with sunlight, fresh air and green grass lowers your blood pressure and relieves stress. Get out at least once a day — in the morning or at lunchtime — for a quick walk or run, or try an outdoor sport like kayaking, rock climbing or windsurfing.

12. Nix nighttime anxiety. Keep a notepad by your bedside. If you wake up with a worry on your mind, write it down — you’ll get to sleep faster knowing you won’t forget to deal with it in the morning.

13. Recognize the good things going on in your life. And tell others about your positive experiences. People will be drawn to your enthusiasm, which can boost your self-esteem.

14. Don’t let envy sidetrack you. Best friend land a promotion? Got a workout buddy who lost more weight than you? Instead of comparing yourself to others, concentrate on what you want to accomplish. Have you made improvements since last year? Are you taking steps to get to where you want to go? Write down your accomplishments — you may be surprised by how they really stack up.

15. Share your thoughts! Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’ve got an opinion. The more you stand up for your views, the more others will see you as self-assured — and that translates to feeling better about yourself.

16. Exude a can-do spirit. Instead of complaining about how hard you have to work, be eager to take on new challenges. Not only will you be perceived favorably, you’ll also learn new skills — and may even enhance your work relationships.

17. Ask your boss for a review. Honest feedback is crucial to your professional development. Use it to find out what you need to do to get ahead.

18. Take regular breaks. Skipping lunch (or a vacation day) can be tempting when you’re swamped, but keep in mind that working nonstop can lead to burnout, ultimately impeding your productivity in the long run.

19. Dress for tomorrow’s success. Show you’re an asset at work by always looking professional and polished, whether it’s Monday or casual Friday.

20. Seek support. Whether you want to drop 10 pounds, eat healthier or quit smoking, share your goals with friends, family and co-workers so they can cheer you on through the tough times.

21. Put it in writing. Solidify your plans by jotting them down in a journal. Keep regular notes on your progress so you can determine which approaches work — and which ones don’t.

22. Make sleep a priority. Trying to accomplish anything without adequate rest can lead to burnout. Cut back on caffeine six hours before bed and do something relaxing like taking a bath or reading to ensure you drift off to sleep quickly.

23. Find fitness-minded friends. Meeting people who value a healthy lifestyle can have a positive influence on you. Find them by taking a workout class, joining a sports team or signing up for a fitness-minded hobby.

24. Hang in there. Everyone slips up now and then on the way to a goal. Challenges are a normal part of life; remind yourself of that — and keep going.

25. Celebrate your triumphs. Reward yourself whenever you reach a milestone, no matter how big or small. You’ll reinforce your new, healthy behavior, which can help you stick with it for life.

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