Financial stress can really peak between the spendy season of the holidays and paying off Uncle Sam at tax time. As it stands, as many as 55% of Americans experience income volatility year-round, resulting in a month-to-month cashflow swing as much as 30%*. And our tendency toward emotional spending around the holidays can really put folks in a cash crunch this time of year!

So what can you do about it? Well, for starters, remember to take care of yourself. Stress of any kind can lead to health issues, which can in turn lead to additional financial anxiety. Some simple ideas that may help:

• Take a break from your thoughts by working with your hands...it can relax you and distract from stress
• Focus on the positive: two of the most common effects of financial stress are anxiety and depression
• Go through your belongings for donations: people who donate are happier, and you’ll get a head start on spring cleaning
• Take a short walk before or after every meal: exercise is a great stress reliever, and doing it at mealtimes will keep you consistent
• If you owe taxes, consider an IRA to increase your savings and lower your taxes