There's no doubt that living with incontinence can cause stress…but can stress cause incontinence? Experts say stress can cause some bladder control problems and can aggravate others. Talk to your doctor if you think stress is worsening your incontinence—and try these healthy tips for taming everyday tensions.         Any time you feel tense, stop what you’re doing, and take 5 minutes to breathe slowly and deeply, expanding your rib cage and allowing your belly to rise and fall.         Add some scented bubbles, and you’ll relax even more. Studies have found vanilla to be especially relaxing.         Studies show that holding hands and embracing friends and family may help control heart rate and blood pressure in stressful situations.         When you’re performing a task such as cooking dinner or working in your garden, focus on the delights you are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching right now.         Take a day trip to a museum with a pal, and chat about the artwork there. Studies show that this can boost your mood, as can listening to music and reading literature.         Instead of worrying all day long, set aside 15 minutes at night to fret. During the day, jot down worries as they pop up, then let them go until your “worry time,” so you can get back to the joys of life.         Gazing at Mother Nature’s greenery can be uplifting and stressreducing. Visit a garden, get a few plants, or keep a vase of posies on the kitchen table.         If you don’t feel better after trying these tips, meet with a therapist who can help you work through your emotions and improve the way you react to stress.

©2007 Rodale Inc. This selection of articles was paid for by Depend. The editorial staff of Rodale Publications was not involved in the production of this special section.