April is known for three things: spring holidays, spring showers, and tax season! If your finances have you stressed out this year, you are not alone—69% of Americans report stress about finances. So what can you do to manage this stress? At Essential Massage Therapy in New Jersey, we know lots of ways to handle stress, so we’re sharing our favorites with you!

1. Get your needs met. In addition to the things you must handle throughout the day with work and family, your body has some pretty demanding biological needs. You need to get sleep, nutrition, and exercise, or your body will rebel! If you’re feeling more stressed than usual, try finding a way to squeeze in an extra 30 minutes of sleep, remind yourself to consume fresh fruits and vegetables at least 4-5 servings per day, and aim for 20 minutes or more of exercise. How does spending an extra hour or more a day doing something give you more energy? These things are like investments in your health, and they pay back with interest!

2. Get your worries out. When you have a lot going on, your brain may choose to process all the thoughts, worries, and responsibilities on a constant basis. This can be distracting, and can cause problems sleeping. To address this issue, get those worries out by writing them down on a list or calendar, journaling, or talking to someone who can help you feel better.

3. Dedicate time to relaxation. You schedule time to work, to run errands, and even to perform hygiene—so why don’t you schedule some relaxation time? If your day is jam-packed, block out an hour on your day-planner for a bath, job, or massage session with your favorite massage therapist in New Jersey. Committing to relaxation can help you to be better prepared to handle the stresses of your day.

Have you tried any of these stress-relief techniques? If not, give them a try and see how they work! For more, check back on our blog often or join a conversation with us on Facebook!