1. Prioritize your tasks and projects. Listen inward and decide what is really, really important to you at this point in your life. Imagine how you would feel if you let go of one specific project or activity that does not seem as important as others do. If you experience a sense of relief, drop it for now. Continue in the same way with other projects until only the very important ones are left. Put the less important ones on a list of things to pursue when you have more time.



2. First things first. You don't have to approach all the remaining important projects at the same time. Think ahead at the start of a workday and begin with the tasks that are urgent or are going to get you into a time crunch. You can save time if you return phone calls as soon as possible after you receive a message. There might be time left now to continue your day with the less urgent and more fun and/or fulfilling projects. Enjoy!



3. Don't go to bed with your worries. Take care of anything that worries you as soon as possible. (For example, call a medical professional for advice right away if you are concerned about a health problem). Talk to a friend, spouse about it if you cannot take care of it soon. If neither of these options is possible, before you go to sleep imagine a beautiful chest. Then imagine that you put all your worries and concerns into this chest, knowing that you can open it tomorrow. morning when you are rested and better able to search for an answer or solution.



4. Remember to breathe. Whenever you have a moment alone, such as in the car at a stop light, in the bathroom, or waiting for somebody to answer the phone, stop your thoughts, sense your body, and take three deep long breaths.



5. Schedule "down time." During down time, do not feel responsible for anything or anyone. Move from moment to moment, deciding spontaneously what you like or don't like to do. There is no chore, task, or anything else you need to do during down time. Just "float" through time. This can be shared with somebody you feel close to who wants to "float" with you. Ideally, you should have one full day per week available for down time, but even an hour here and there can do wonders.

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See also:

• Manage Stress -- Before Stress Manages You
  
• Gene More Than Doubles Risk of Depression Following Life Stresses
  
• What Can I Do About Caregiver Stress?