As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach and Brain Health Licensed Trainer, I’m always concerned about my clients’ overall health and wellness. And one major factor that can affect this is stress. So, when tax season rolls around, I’m always on the lookout for signs that my clients are feeling the pressure.
Let’s face it, tax season can be tough. The financial strain, uncertainty, and the added burden of filing tax returns can take a toll on anyone’s mental and physical health.
That’s why I take a proactive approach to help my clients manage their stress levels during tax season and beyond. I offer suggestions of relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and other stress-reducing strategies to help them cope with the challenges of this season. I will go into more detail on these suggestions at the end of this blog.
I’m particularly aware of how stress can negatively impact the brain and lead to cognitive decline, memory problems, and other issues. So, it’s essential to address any sources of stress as soon as possible.
In a nutshell, my priority is to help my clients achieve optimal health and well-being. And that means being there for them during stressful times like tax season and offering the support they need to stay healthy and happy.
I know some of you may be worried about the amount of money leaving your pockets. But here’s something to remember that can take the pressure off and ease anxiety: If you’re paying a lot in taxes, then that means your business is doing really well. It’s a great opportunity for you as a business owner to consider additional write-offs. Think about investing in trainings, retreats, and even self-care activities that can help your business thrive. If you are thriving and emotionally well, your business will also thrive and be well.
I understand how challenging it can be to maintain a positive cash flow when running a brick-and-mortar business. Any business, frankly, can run into this issue. You have a lot of expenses that need to be accounted for, and having a profit margin and reserve funds are essential.
One way of looking at taxes is that they are used to support positive public goods. For example, libraries are an incredibly valuable resource; they offer access to books and other knowledge that can be life-changing, with many books offering ideas on how to build a business or improve health.
Not only do tax revenues go to the government for libraries and other social services, but they also provide necessary funding for nonprofits. I am thinking of the HUD Section 4 program. HUD Section 4 helps non-profit organizations called Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Community Housing Development Organizations improve their ability to create affordable housing and make their communities better for working class people not making a living wage.
The funds are used for activities such as training and education to improve technical and administrative skills of community organizations, loans and grants for affordable housing projects, and other activities that support the goals of other HUD programs. These efforts aim to benefit individuals and families bringing in low- to moderate-income by improving the communities they live in.
The program tends to focus heavily on housing, jobs and small business support. All of these have some connection to health in my view since I have a holistic view of health. I see many businesses I support getting grants and technical assistance. Good jobs and successful businesses allow families the cash flow needed to cater to their health and make wise choices when it comes to their self-care. Also in order for folks to make healthy food, they need a kitchen so healthy housing is critical.
Whenever you pay taxes, you contribute to making your environment a healthier place.
As I mentioned above, I suggest a variety of relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and other stress-reducing strategies to help my clients cope with the challenges of tax season. Here are a few examples:
Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing is an effective way to calm the mind and reduce stress. I teach my clients different breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and square breathing, which can help them relax and feel more centered.
Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and being fully aware of one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment. I guide clients through mindfulness meditation exercises, which can help them manage stress and anxiety.
Yoga: Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. I recommend my clients practice yoga to help them reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. I recommend engaging in physical activities such as walking, running, or other forms of exercise to help manage stress levels.
Sleep hygiene: Proper sleep hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being. On calls, we discuss the importance of good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a consistent sleep routine, avoiding electronics before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
These are just a few examples of the relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and stress-reducing strategies I offer to help my clients cope with the challenges of tax season and beyond. My approach is personalized, and I work with each client to develop a customized plan that suits their unique needs and lifestyle.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, I encourage you to take action and prioritize your health and well-being. I can help you develop a personalized plan to manage stress and improve overall health.
Working with me one on one, we can address any health concerns you may have, identify potential stressors, and develop a customized plan that includes personalized nutrition recommendations, stress-management techniques, and other lifestyle modifications to help you reach your goals. My approach is holistic and tailored to your unique needs, and I’ll be there to support and guide you every step of the way.
So, if you’re ready to take charge of your health and reduce stress levels, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we can create a roadmap to help you achieve optimal health and well-being, not just during tax season but all year round.
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