Clients are calling, clients are coming in, and is it just us or does the room seem to 
be shrinking? Yeah, it’s April 15th. Today is probably the most stressful day of the year for tax preparers.
Amid the extension requests, the paperwork, and playing therapist to your stressed out clients, you’ve got to find some relief. We know, we know. There’s no time. Whether you use our tips today or use them tomorrow (for National Stress Awareness Day), use them.
Deep Breaths
They are easy and free. Deep breathing sounds cliché but according to The American Institute of Stress, if you want to relax, you have to activate the body’s natural relaxation response. One of the best ways to do that is through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness.
Massage
Whether it’s a chair massage or an appointment at your local spa, massage is a great stress reliever. They say just one massage can make a huge difference in your mental state, heart rate, and blood pressure. Stress causes tension in your body, and for people who hunch over their desks at computers all day, the tension can be even worse. Work those kinks out and leave your stress on the table.
Take breaks
It’s actually better for your concentration and productivity to take breaks between long stretches at work. Get up, stretch your legs, and go for a walk.
Yoga
Yoga is great for stress relief. Yoga is meant to teach you to release the tension you hold in your body. A good one hour session should leave you feeling more relaxed and at peace with the world.
Be Present
Don’t spend time worrying about all of the other tasks you have to do. Be present by focusing on one task at a time. When you task switch too frequently, you end up getting less accomplished and more stressed out.
Get Your House Cleaned
Free yourself from other outside to-dos by getting a helping hand. Who doesn’t like coming home to a house spic and span? You deserve it.
Don’t Stress Eat
When you stress eat, you just end up feeling worse. Emotional eating doesn’t solve the problem, it leaves you feeling lethargic and bad about the things you ate.
Connect with Friends and Family
Emerge from your desk or that cave you call an office, pick up the phone and call someone. Go out with friends, visit family and reconnect with the people in your life who make you happy!
We’d love to hear how you de-stress during or after tax season! Leave a comment.
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