HealthyLife Articles

Tag: organization

Taking The Stress Out Of Travel

Healthy Travel

Even if you’re jetting to a sunny climate on your dream vacation, travel can be stressful. Any change in routine, scenery, eating habits, or time zones can take its toll on your well-being.

Here are some things you can do to minimize travel stress.

* Begin to prepare for your trip well in advance of your departure date. Make a list of things to do each day.

* Finish packing your bags at least one full day before you leave. Devote the rest of the day to quiet activities, such as reading, napping, taking a leisurely bath, or listening to soothing music.

* Allow plenty of time to reach your destination or catch your flight. It’s better to have time to spare than to rush.

* Once you reach your destination, don’t over-schedule every day with endless hours of shopping, sightseeing, sports, and partying. Allow for some “downtime.”

* Don’t overeat, especially at night.

* Get enough sleep. Otherwise, you’ll come home pooped instead of renewed and refreshed.

* Get some exercise.

* Schedule your return so you have a day or so to “decompress” before you return to work.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Time Flies When You Are Disorganized

Stress Management

Manage your time. Prioritize.

How many times have you wished there were more hours in a day or looked up at the clock and wondered how the day flew by so fast with little accomplished? By managing your time, you can help manage the stress that comes with unfinished business.

Tips to help manage time:

* Write a “To Do” list. Planning your day can ease your mind of nagging worry that you’ve missed something. Checking off items gives you the feeling of satisfaction.

* Prioritize: Put the most important tasks at the top.

* Give yourself enough time to do the job right the first time. You don’t want to spend more time later correcting mistakes.

* Avoid distractions. Close your door, turn off the phone, and don’t check your email every five minutes.

* Set time limits. Give yourself an allotted amount of time to check and respond to emails, text messages, and phone calls.

* Avoid unproductive meetings. A quick phone call or email will be faster and can save you a lot of time.

* Take breaks. Stand up, stretch and take a walk.

* If the task seems overwhelming, break it into smaller parts. Focus on one task at a time.

* Pass the buck. Is there anything you can pass on to someone else to handle?

* Find your groove. If you get more done in the mornings, block that time to focus on detailed projects.

* Utilize technology. Use your computer and smartphone options and apps to help you track your time, remind you of meetings, and alert you when tasks are due.

* Just say no. Less important tasks can wait.

* Take a day off. You are no good to anybody if you can’t concentrate.

Action Step

Keep a diary of everything you do. You may learn that trying to find things on your cluttered desk, spending too much time on Facebook or watching TV are keeping you from completing what you need to get done.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Buried In Clutter

SELF-CARE CORNER

Feeling overwhelmed with your “stuff” and looking for ways to throw “things” away? Follow the tips below in de-cluttering from The Cleaning Authority.

Sort it out

Begin by sorting, room by room, into the following piles: keep, donate, sell, trash, and recycle. (Label a box or laundry basket for each category.) Focus on the end result and go with your gut when deciding what to do with an item.

Get rid of it!

Purge items in the recycle and trash piles so they no longer take up space in your home. Consumers spend one year of their lives looking for lost items, according to the National Association of Professional Organizers. Having more space in your home makes it easier to organize and find the things you keep.

Make a little cash.

List items for sale on Craigslist or eBay, or take them to a resale store. Give yourself a deadline to sell everything. Whatever has not sold by that date, donate.

Give back to the community.

Goodwill, Purple Heart, and Habitat for Humanity are just a few options to consider when donating your household goods. Not all items may be accepted, so check with your local charity if you are planning on donating furniture or any larger items. Many will send a truck if you call them to schedule a pickup.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Back-To-School Stress Busters

FAMILY LIFE

Going back to school is a big transition for kids. Providing extra support and understanding can ensure a smooth start to the school year and a positive school experience.

Ease into a daily routine

A week or two before school starts, gradually establish an appropriate sleep and meal schedule. A tired or hungry child will struggle to manage their feelings. Set them up for success.

Plan a daily chat time

It doesn’t have to be long, but set aside ten or fifteen minutes to check in with your child. Ask questions and let them share their thoughts and feelings about their day.

Make time for play

Play is how kids relax and make sense of the world around them. Unstructured play should be a non-negotiable part of your child’s day.

If your child is struggling, it helps to talk to your pediatrician. Your healthcare provider can recommend stress management techniques or address any other needs your child may have.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026