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Need help getting a handle on stress? Call Sacred Heart's Behavioral Health Clinic at 715.717.4272 or the L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center at 715.723.5585. All Ages Allowed STRESS: > 1 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H financial emergency or a crisis at work is nothing to smile about, but counteracting feelings of negativity and stress by facing challenges with a positive mental attitude rooted in gratitude is good for the soul. • • Take•your•time. Slowing down and doing things right the first time without cutting corners or rushing can help cut down on stress by eliminating the dreaded "do-over." Before beginning a difficult project, take 10 deep breaths, close your eyes, and focus on releasing the tension in your mind and body. A Taxing Time With money being a constant source of stress for many people, is it any wonder that tax season is one of the most stressful times of the year? "Managing financial stress during the tax-filing process might not seem like a priority, but it should be," says Jon Snider, PsyD, Psychologist with the L.E. Phillips- Libertas Treatment Center. "If you feel overwhelmed by the looming deadline or possible taxes owed, don't procrastinate. Get help from a tax professional, family member, friend, or agency who can help guide you through the process. Keep things in perspective and work on improving money management techniques throughout the year to lessen the stress when April 15 rolls around." ACCORDING TO THE American Physiological Association's Stress in America™ survey, people age 18 and older struggle on a daily basis with the mental and physical effects of coping with stress. The study broke down age- group stress as follows: • Nearly 75 percent of adults surveyed felt moderately to highly stressed. • More than 62 percent of elderly adults shared concerns and angst about money issues and the economy. • Stress has a profound effect on children, as well; 30 percent of young people, ages 8 to 17, worried about their family's financial situation. "Men and women of all ages react to stress differently, but the long-lasting effects of chronic anxiety brought on by worry, fear, or stress are very similar," says Kevin Hess, MD, Psychiatrist at Sacred Heart Hospital. "The mind-body effect that stress has on a person can profoundly impact his or her risks for developing stress-related conditions or diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, and depression. Staying positive, managing emotions, and remaining 'in the moment' when dealing with a difficult situation can help save your sanity and even your life. The key is to learn how to manage stress at a young age and carry those practices throughout your life." TIME OUT Taking on too many obligations, responsibilities, and pressures is a common source of stress. Developing effective time-management skills can get your schedule back on track, leaving you room to breathe and focus on the task at hand, rather than feeling distracted or pulled in multiple directions. The following tips can help you get more done in a day, without sacrificing your sanity: • • Control•your•need•for•control. Letting go and saying "no" to additional responsibilities and tasks can add minutes, if not hours, to your day. Ask for help, delegate chores, and set firm boundaries regarding your availability. • • Put•on•a•happy•face.•An unexpected STRESS DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE WHEN IT COMES TO AGE. IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH THE PRESSURES OF EVERYDAY LIFE, FIND SERENITY BY SHIFTING YOUR MINDSET FROM OVERSTRESSED TO OVERJOYED.