Taxed by taxes?

Do you ever feel like this?

Simply saying the word “taxes” sends many normally calm people into a downward spiral of negative thoughts and upset feelings. Start talking about April 15th, the deadline (usually) for filing those dreaded tax returns here in the US, and now the tension really starts creeping up, looming over like some dark clouds ready to burst. Deadlines tend to add more pressure, which adds more stress and angst for most people.

Are you one of those people?

Are you feeling the tax deadline pressure?

Are you overwhelmed by all the tax season details?

Although, this is a common reaction to this time of the year, it doesn’t have to be this way. With some awareness on how this tax season is affecting you and planning for success and ease, you can take back control of those downward spiraling thoughts and start feeling better now instead of waiting until you press the send button on your tax return.

7 Tax Relief Tips to Go from Taxed to Calm!

1-Enlist Help!

If you’re reading this and still haven’t started on your taxes yet, it’s probably wise to either hire a tax preparer, chat with an online IRS rep, or at least get someone to help you sort through the paperwork. Giving yourself permission to ask for help and taking that action, relieves some of the pressure right away. Thinking you have to do it all alone adds more pressure and more distressful feelings.

#2-Plan ahead

Set up mini goals of what you’ll accomplish each day. You will feel much more in control by setting up achievable goals for the remainder of the time you have to get this done, instead of just gritting your teeth and pushing through 10-12 hours at a time.
#3-Reward yourself

After completing a mini goal, reward yourself. Take a nice hot bath, go to the movies, or watch one at home, read a novel, do a puzzle, play with your children or your furry children. Have some “cuddle” time with your honey. Do something that rewards you for your success. This will keep you motivated by knowing something special is awaiting you when you’re finished for the day.

#4-Focus on the Goal of Completion

When you keep focused on seeing and feeling how good it will feel to be completed, your subconscious mind gets imprinted with that message. It motivates you to reach that same feeling, that reward, and you’ll find yourself searching for actions to be in alignment with that vision and feeling!

#5-Move your body

It’s true, moving your body relieves stress. Instead of grumbling about how awful the process is, get out and take a walk, go to the gym, if you are so inclined or put on some music and dance those tax blues away! You’ll feel refreshed, renewed and ready for the next mini goal you’ve set for yourself.

#6-Journal

Write down your successes, not only in the arena of the tax work you’ve done, but in all areas of your life. This keeps you focusing in on success. When we focus on our successes, we feel good, we feel accomplished and we promote more feel good feelings. It takes away the “I haven’t done enough” stress thoughts by focusing your thoughts on what you have done.

Keep a gratitude journal. I love to do this. It immediately opens the heart to being present to all the great things you already have in your life. This naturally brings feelings of contentment, satisfaction and well being. These feelings will promote healthier thoughts and keep the positive thought feeling cycle going.

#7-Breathe!

The simple act of taking some good deep breaths is so renewing. It really helps to change your attitude. You get “above” the situation causing stress when you stop and breathe deep into your abdomen. It stops those runaway negative thoughts in their tracks. Spend a few minutes with your eyes closed and breathe.

It’s a mini retreat, connecting you to you. You’ll feel so much better and have more energy to continue on.

Use these tips to keep you focused and on purpose during these next few weeks and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel and how you may even begin to cultivate a new paradigm for tax season!

Are you feeling taxed by taxes? Post your comments and what helps you, below!