Tax Day Solutions

Women are used to multi-tasking, thinking about and dealing with many issues at the same time. Still, your head may be spinning as you struggle to balance the logistical, emotional and financial demands of work and family, especially at tax time. You want to conserve as much of your nest egg as you can but your reduced funds are being stretched ever thinner in this economy.

And what about including the non-monetary contributions you make to your family in flux? The time, energy, thoughts and emotions you devote can exhaust your core just as your expenses deplete your cash reserves. Are you beginning to feel like a woman on the verge? Instead, use your Tax Day perspective to try out these tips to improve your health and wellbeing:

Maintain balance as you invest your energies in career, family, and yourself. You may not be able to attain the perfect level of achievement in any of these, but you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment in your growing strength. To avoid burnout, set aside time for yourself.

Reconsider your assumptions, refocus and reframe your thoughts. When you look at things from a different perspective, you’ll come up with fresh ways to deal with stress. Expressing your gratitude for the gifts you have will create a better mood for you and those around you.   

Take better care of yourself. When you cope with stress before it becomes chronic, you're better able to take care of loved ones as well as yourself. As you limit your responsibilities to others, you'll find you have more time for fun and fulfillment in your own life.

Practice relaxation techniques on a daily basis. Learn deep breathing or guided imagery to help you unwind and settle down. Go for a walk early in the morning and enjoy the sights, sounds, and aroma of the world just getting up. If you have a few minutes in the house, refresh and relax by putting your feet up and listening to some soothing music.

Ask for help and turn to those around you for support. When you let your friends and family know what you need from them, they are more likely to come to your aid. Clarify what’s necessary to achieve your goals. When you’re not feeling as overwhelmed by your responsibilities and commitments, you’ll be more positive and optimistic.  

Communicate honestly with your spouse, children and aging parents. Talk out disagreements before they become out of control arguments. Don't put a lid on your emotions, just on expressing them in an aggressive manner. Instead, develop a direct, assertive style to express your needs. When conflicts arise, agree to be flexible and cooperative as you work toward reaching a compromise.

And let's use this same conversational etiquette when we talk with each other – about taxes, moms, women’s roles or politics. Whether you’re a work-at-home mom or pursue a career outside the house, you can choose to attack the problem, not each other. These tips can help you become part of the solution as you develop a personal safety net to fall back on now and in other difficult times.