HealthyLife Articles

Tag: deadlines

  • Conquer Job Stress

    SUCCESS OVER STRESS

    Happy man with arms up while setting at work desk.

    Burnout: When stress goes too far

    When stress goes on for too long, a person may feel “burned out.” This usually means they become exhausted and unable to do their job well anymore. They may also become negative or feel angry toward others at work.

    Burnout can seriously affect your health. It can lead to depression and possibly other problems, like heart disease and stroke.

    Stop the cycle

    It’s not too late to manage your work stress. Even if you feel your stress is high, there are ways to make things better. Here’s how:

    *Take breaks – even short ones.Just 10 minutes of downtime during the day can make a big difference in your stress levels. Don’t work through lunch and break times.

    *Practice the art of waiting and walking away.If you feel angry or stressed about something, don’t respond right away. Say something like, “let me think about that and get back to you.” Avoid sending angry emails when you feel stressed.

    *Go easy on yourself.Are you expecting perfection from yourself? No one is perfect. Learn from mistakes and move on.

    *Discuss your concerns.If you’re having trouble with something at work, talk to your supervisor about solutions. Don’t keep it bottled inside and assume it will work itself out.

    Source: American Psychological Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Filing For A Tax Extension

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Women on computer.

    A federal tax extension allows you extra time to file your taxes. You can request an extension for any reason and receive an additional six months to complete your return. Here’s what you need to know.

    *  You must request an extension before your filing deadline. Don’t delay or you risk a penalty.

    *  Submit the form via mail or electronically by your regular tax return deadline, usually April 15th.

    *  To avoid any potential penalties, pay estimated taxes at the time you submit the form.

    *  If you cannot pay what you owe, you can request a payment plan. Visit the IRS website to learn more.

    *  Use the extra time to file your return. The IRS does not allow a second extension, so don’t let the time slip away.

    *  Fill out the Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return available atirs.gov.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Keeping Cool When Work Heats Up

    WORK LIFE

    Image of a great of employees.

    Have you ever been in a tense situation at work? Perhaps two people were arguing or someone got angry with you.

    Though it’s hard to stay calm in these types of situations, it’s the best thing you can do. If you don’t react strongly, you can help defuse tension and find a helpful resolution.

    Focus on a solution

    It’s easy to get wrapped up in the problem, not the solution. Ask yourself, “what are we trying to accomplish?” Many workplace arguments start because two people have different ideas about what should be done. But, both people ultimately want to fix the same problem.

    Sometimes, an argument can be stopped if both parties remember what they both want: a good outcome. Talk about what you agree upon, and try to build from there.

    Take pause

    When something stressful is happening, your body immediately wants to respond. You may feel tense and anxious. You may also want to run from the situation or defend yourself. This is a normal “fight-or-flight” response that wants to protect you. But, this isn’t always the best way to react. Here’s how you can stay in control:

    *  Watch your breathing. Take deep, slow breaths to help calm your body’s natural response to stress. This can help you think more clearly and lower your anxious feelings.

    *  Think before you speak. It’s okay to pause before answering a question. Also, you can say, “Let me think about that for a moment.” This gives you time to come up with a professional response, rather than an angry one.

    *  Wait to hit “send.” Read emails out loud to yourself before you send them. Save the draft and wait before you send it if you’re angry. This can help avoid something you will later regret.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Health Insurance Checklist

    Medical Care

    (Make copies of this form. Fill one out every year.) Check off insurances that you have.

    Page from the Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beat Procrastination At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Illustration of man with head down on messy desk.

    Do you put off doing tasks and find yourself scrambling at the last minute? You could be procrastinating. Try the tips below to break the habit.

    Break large tasks down into smaller pieces.

    Rather than trying to do the entire project, start with one piece. This can make a large project less overwhelming and more realistic.

    Get motivated.

    Think about how pleased you’ll be when it’s done. Focus on the positive aspects of your job, and why you do what you do. This may help you get the energy to tackle difficult tasks.

    Try rewards.

    Commit to getting the project done a few days early. When you do, treat yourself after work. Examples of positive rewards may be your favorite meal or a fun activity you enjoy.

    Source: American Psychological Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine