A Guide to Reducing Stress in Daily Activities

Stuck in traffic? Spending hours going from store to store or waiting in lines? Feeling stressed? Use these trips to reduce everyday hassles.

Don't let a long or difficult commute ruin your day

Rent books on CD from your local library. They are free and libraries typically have a wide selection from which to choose. The commute time flies by. You may find yourself sitting in the garage when you get home because of an enthralling story, and anticipating your morning ride to hear more.

A related library renewal tip: save a trip and don't wait in line, many libraries allow you to renew checked out items through their web site.

Keep a pair of slippers or sneakers in the car. Switch to comfy footwear for the drive rather than high heels or tight loafers.

Make Shopping Around Easier

Looking for something special? Call around first. I was looking for a golf umbrella. Rather than spending hours going from store to store looking for one, I used the phone and internet from my comfy chair at home. I called the three closest sports stores, no joy. I checked the local Target, Kmart, and Walmart stores online, and found that one had golf umbrellas at a great price. I called first to make sure the store had them in stock, then drove over and got one. Easy peasy.

Another great stress reducer is to avoid buying "lemons." Use Consumer Reports before purchasing large ticket items. We have had a subscription for years; it is well worth it. We look at ratings, prices and, most of all, reliability. Some content is available for free, here is a link to their car page as an example. By the time we actually go to purchase something, we know just what we want and what we'll pay.

Shipping packages can be a breeze

It's tough to ship a package during your busy day, especially near the holidays. You've all seen the commercials for the USPS flat rate shipping boxes. The post office will send you the flat rate boxes and other priority mail boxes and envelopes for free in the mail.

Purchasing postage on-line saves money and time using USPS Click n Ship. For example, at today's rates a 2 pound priority mail package shipped from my home to Hawaii is 73 cents cheaper if I purchase online. I don't wait in line once I get to the post office; I just walk up and drop it off. In off hours, I drop packages in the bin in the outer room.

Now you have quality time

Your commuting time is filled with stories. The time you save with the other tips is spent with family, friends, hobbies, and catching up with your To Do list. Life is good in the fast lane.

Sources

USPS Click and Ship and box ordering, https://sss-web.usps.com/cns/landing.do, United States Post Office

Cars, http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm, Consumer Reports