Stress can certainly take a toll on our health; Jennie Garth is no exception. The actress is back on 90210, showing us what her popular character, Kelly Taylor, is like as an adult. But earlier in the year things weren't exactly sunny in Garth's life.

Within a span of six months, her daughter became ill (and was later diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) and her father passed away. Garth said "I didn't think about my looks or my weight or my body or anything." She goes on to say that she didn't exercise, eat healthfully, and that she gained weight and inches as a result.

As much as we all hope our lives stay stable and uncomplicated, everyone is bound to hit a rough patch now and then. And, unfortunately, many of us will encounter periods of extreme stress, like Jennie Garth did. It's definitely hard to continue focusing on your health when everything else seems to be falling apart. But that is the most important time to take care of yourself.

When you make your health and well-being a priority, you're better able to take care of all the other aspects of your life. If you're experiencing high levels of stress, keep these tips in mind:

• Exercise. Don't let your workout fall to the wayside because things are stressful. Exercise gives you time to think through problems and sort things out. It's also a natural reliever and will help boost your energy -- giving you the strength to keep dealing with life's stressors.
  
• Eat healthfully. When life is wearing you down, it's more important than ever to fuel your body with good nutrition. You may feel a big draw toward comfort foods during stressful times, but remember that they're only a temporary comfort and will likely leave you feeling worse in the long run. Choose slow-burning, nutritious foods that will give you long-lasting energy.
  
• Sleep. Stress can rob you of sleep. It's hard to catch your zzz's while all of your troubles are running through your mind. But it's so important to get sufficient sleep when you're dealing with stress. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, and take time to relax your body and mind before going to bed. Take a bath, read, write in a journal ... whatever activities help relax you and prepare you for sleep. Also, make your bedroom as comfortable and conducive to sleep as possible.