8 ways to de-stress

during tax season …

Tax season is in full swing, and for many of you, it means long hours, extra workloads, and heightened stress.

As you cross this year’s tax filing finish line, you may find yourselves both physically and emotionally depleted.

So, if you are one of those who’s feeling like life is feeling crazy …

Take a few minutes out of your day to try out these simple and effective stress busting techniques.

Belly breathing

Try this basic exercise anytime you need to relax or relieve stress.

1. Sit or lie flat in a comfortable position.

2. Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest. 3. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.

4. Breathe out through pursed lips as if you were whistling. Feel the hand on your belly go in, and use it to push all the air out.

5. Do this breathing 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath.

6. Notice how you feel at the end of the exercise.

Get moving

Even just 20 minutes of walking can reduce stress and improve your mood.

Hit the gym, go for a hike, or play with the kids — find a form of physical activity that you enjoy and get moving.

Smile

Smiling, even when you don't feel happy, can instantly lift your mood.

Instead of frowning, clenching your jaw, or tensing up your forehead in reaction to a stressor, grin and feel your troubles melt away.

Turn off your phone

Smartphones, in particular, are linked to increased stress, as more and more people feel pressure to respond to messages at all times.

Create visual resting spots

Give your eyes and your mind a break with photos, artwork, or a plant. At regular intervals, look away from your computer screen or paperwork and focus on a distant object to stretch your eyes. You can also create visual relief to your office by adding a few interesting objects.

Organize your desk

When your work area looks like a battlefield, you feel the tension growing. And when you can’t find that report you need, your stress level soars even higher. By organizing your files and piles, you get a sense that there is some order in all the chaos.

Soothe yourself with sound

Listening to calming music at your work site can unruffle your feathers.

Classical music works nicely. If this genre is too highbrow for you, try one of the easy listening radio stations.

Meditate

Meditation can be a great way to relax, especially if you are under a lot of stress. Meditation can be simple: find a comfortable place, close your eyes, relax your muscles, and focus on one thing.

To help you relieve stress, PD Net created a free simple 5-minute meditation to the soothing sounds of rain.

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