Reducing your stress with success

Arizona Republic

Attempting to take some of the stress out of daily life? Try these steps designed to rid you of unnecessary frills and clutter.

Understand yourself: Look inside to find what makes you happy. If time with family or traveling or being with friends is most important, reduce time spent on other things (such as watching TV). Establish workable priorities, such as reserving a night to play games with your children or planning a weekend romp out of town.

Cooperate: Get together with friends to make things easier and more economical. Potlucks, shared childcare and carpooling save time and money.

Go slowly: Make little changes at first, such as turning down a social engagement that would take you away from family time. As those adjustments become comfortable make other changes, such as a weekly dinner with friends.

Plan: You can work hard now for the financial independence your goals might require, but make sure those goals are realistic. You can't cut down on hours at work and still afford that vacation in the Caribbean, but you can reduce expenses and invest wisely in an effort to save the money over time.

Include your family: Be honest with your spouse and children. If you need a change, it probably will affect them. But it is also likely that they will want to help you. Let them offer their own priorities, and work on changes together.

Make sure it's your dream, not someone else's: You may not like the changes brought about by a simple life. If you move closer to work, you may miss the friends in your old neighborhood. If you refuse a promotion to spend more time at home, you may regret missing out on the money and prestige.