Many women today expect themselves to be everything to everybody, simultaneously meeting the expectations of the workplace and the family. This multifaceted lifestyle usually entails trying to meet incompatible demands with the unavoidable outcome of stress. Learning better ways of managing this stress is imperative for both health and happiness. Developing the trait of hardiness and working to replace cynicism with a more constructive, optimistic, and vital outlook seem to be central to more effective coping with stress. Individuals who demonstrate high levels of four personality characteristics (commitment, control, confidence, cooperation) have been found to withstand unusually high levels of life stress without becoming physically or psychologically compromised. Building a sense of commitment involves seeing the world as interesting and benign. It also requires clarifying one's values and resolving ambivalence about lifestyle choices. Enhancing a sense of control requires recognizing how personal choices dictate outcomes. Increasing confidence involves recognizing one's potential for coping and becoming more future- and change-oriented. Seeing change and new demands as potential adventure requires an ability to tolerate risk and failure. Increasing the level of cooperation within a family requires a climate of trust and caring. These suggested activities have worked for many women. (ABL)