10 Ways to a Stress-Free Tax Season

10 Ways to a Stress-Free Tax Season

1. Keep one day a week for you and your family
This takes determination but is worth every bit of planning it takes. Don't let your wife or husband be a tax season widow or widower. When you return to your office you will be refreshed and more productive.

2. Appeal to a higher power
People who prayed before performing a taxing task had lower blood pressure and felt less anxious that those who did not. Researchers theorize that prayer creates the sense of peace to have a nonjudgmental and powerful support network.

3. Exercise
Spend at least 30 minutes everyday taking a walk, jogging, playing with your kids.

4. Don't eat at your desk
Take a break everyday, get outside and enjoy at least 10 minutes in the sunshine; it will do miracles for your attitude and focus when you return.

5. Take an Afternoon Break
Leave it to the Brits to prove that drinking tea reduces your level of the stress hormone cortisol. Create a calming ritual by pouring a cup every day at around the same time.

6. Grab a snack that gives you a real boost
Enjoy the health benefits of raw almonds and fruit.

7. Take time for you; do what you love
Go to the gym, go dancing, ride your bicycle, meditate 20 minutes, read a favorite book enjoy yourself when you have the time.

8. Eat more fish
Top your lunch salad with canned salmon or tuna. Both contain cortisol-regulating magnesium, which can get depleted during hectic moments, resulting in headaches. These fish are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent surges in stress hormones.

9. Drink Water

Drink water like it's your job. Alcohol is dehydrating, causing you to function at less than your best. Being under pressure can lead to dehydration as well. Always keep a glass or pitcher of water on your desk.

10. Distract Yourself
A study shows playing a brainteaser could improve your mood and heart rhythms. Scrabble, word searches and sudoku work just as well to counteract the stress response.

"Happiness is a state of activity." -- Aristotle

... In other words, you've got to keep moving forward.

• Express yourself. 
• Spend time with family. 
• Focus on others. 
• Hydrate yourself. 

"Any man is as happy as he chooses to be." -- Abraham Lincoln