This is a wonderful time of year but a time of year when I personally feel my stress levels increasing.
Shopping in overcrowded stores, driving in heavy traffic, coordinating visits to and from family and friends, or trying to get some last minute projects completed at work before the holiday break, all add to our stress levels and can make it a dreadful time of year for many people. It is especially stressful considering that we are at war, the economy is in flux and thousands have lost jobs over the past few months.
I thought it would be a good time to list some tried and true stress relieving techniques and maybe add one or two specifically for people struggling financially.
1. If your health permits, exercise for at least 30 minutes three to five times a week. Try to work up a sweat and work out your stress.
2. Learn and use relaxation techniques.
3. Watch your use of caffeine and alcohol.
4. Eat healthy meals and avoid overeating at parties and family gatherings.
5. Meditate often.
6. Work on managing your time better.
7. Find time to play and have some fun.
8. Get plenty of sleep.
9. Really make an effort to laugh, smile and enjoy each day more.
10. Give thanks for all of the good things you have each day.
11. Say positive things to yourself when you talk to yourself.
12. Keep your plans and activities as simple as possible.
13. Set some goals during the next few weeks and give yourself a sense of purpose.
14. Forgive. Carrying grudges is not healthy.
15. Work on keeping a positive outlook, no matter what is happening.
It takes work, but it is worth it. If you are experiencing financial problems right now - debt, a loss of income, or other challenges - let me suggest the following to help you through this special stress:
1. Deal with your money problems in a business-like manner each day and then put them away and go about your life. All too often, we carry the burden of our money problems with us all day, every day. This is not healthy nor will it help you overcome your problem. Focus on solutions. Spend 30 minutes to an hour a day working on your money (expenses and income). Quality of time is better than quantity.
2. Take a day or two and do not think about your financial problems. Don't even give them a single thought. Just enjoy life totally forgetting any problems you are facing.
3. See your situation as a learning experience. If you've made mistakes with your money vow to never make them again by leaning what you did wrong and how to avoid the same mistakes in the future.
4. Don't adopt a victim's mentality. Understand that everyone faces money problems at one time or another and now is simply your time. You will get through your situation and be stronger for having gone through it.
5. Save some money. There is nothing that reduces stress like knowing you have some money in the bank if you need it.
Mike "The DebtBuster" Schiano is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and book author. His show can be heard via the Web at www.inchargeradio.com.
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