Weekdays are the most stressful part of the week for obvious reasons. You're short on time but not on things to do. From getting the kids out the door to hitting the gym, from getting to work on time to fixing dinner, Monday through Friday is go, go, go! One of the easiest ways to make your weekdays less stressful is also one of the most obvious and overlooked. Choosing clothes that are low maintenance and easy to wear and getting them ready to go ahead of time can save untold time and stress during your day.

If your job requires that you dress up, you're probably familiar with the wide range of business casual fabrics and styles. You can choose fancy, expensive clothes that require dry cleaning, hand washing or ironing - but why? If you pay attention when you shop, dress clothes can be just as comfortable as casual attire. Really! For pants, look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Pants and skirts in Polyester/Spandex blends hang well on any frame and staunchly refuse to wrinkle! Tops can come in the same fabric blends, but sweaters made of easy maintenance fabrics are also a good idea. Fortunately, sweaters are available for all types of weather and look professional, particularly when paired with simple, stylish jewelry. Since you probably spend more time in work clothes than you do in pajamas, you want them to be as comfortable as possible.

The second step to stress-free weekday wear is making sure your clothes are ready to go. Regardless of how maintenance free your business-casual wardrobe is, make sure all of your work wear is washed and ready to go before Monday morning. If you get the chance, it's also a good idea to lay out which clothes you want to wear the night before. Even if the weather is fluctuating, you'll have a good idea of what will be good the next day.

When great looking clothes are ready to go in the morning, your day runs a lot more smoothly. Sure, there are some things you can't control. But a stylish and comfortable start to your day is a good foundation, and it saves time, too!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are everyone's favorite days of the week. You finish work for the week, and the kids are out of school. The weekend schedules are usually less hectic and more flexible, and you can break out all of your most comfortable clothes. What's not to love? But even though it's the weekend, there are still places to go, people to see and things to get done. If you're like me, those people, places and things often get pushed off until the last minute or aren't tended to at all! Fortunately, just the slightest bit of organization and planning can make your weekend even more relaxing.

Say you've promised to have dinner with the in-laws and take your son to play at his best friend's house sometime over the weekend. Not knowing when you'll be doing those things can add stress to your weekend, and it's simple to get around. Call the in-laws during the week and nail down a night and time for dinner. Call the mother of your son's friend and decide when and where the play date will be. Then record your scheduled to-dos for the weekend in a calendar or planner for easy access.

Other weekend tasks may not be so set in stone, but you know they still need to get done - and you'll feel bad on Monday if they haven't. Sit down on Saturday morning and make a list of what you need to do, things like running the laundry, changing the sheets and grocery shopping. Start marking your list first thing on Saturday and get it done as soon as possible. Once your to-do list is all done, you're free to be as lazy as you want. And who doesn't like that?

As I discussed last week, the physical and mental experience of stress can actually be used to your advantage. Although stress is blamed for a surprising range of personal problems today, it can be used to restructure different aspects of your life to actually prevent stress in the future. You may be thinking, how on earth is that possible?

Like fear and pain, stress is your body or mind's way of telling you that something is wrong. When you're afraid, you usually know what you're afraid of. When you're in pain, you usually know what's hurting you. But when people are stressed out, they usually treat the symptoms (headaches, tight muscles, anxiety), assuming there's nothing they can do about the source of stress.And, of course, the source of some stress can't be mitigated. Instead of treating only the symptoms, try starting at the source. It's easier than you think.

For instance, many people experience significant stress associated with their jobs - be it difficult bosses, snarky co-workers or the potential for job loss. But when you come home after work feeling so wound up that you can't think straight, try writing down exactly what it is at work that stresses you out. You may feel that your boss isn't happy with your job performance. In that situation, what can you control? If you're concerned about your boss, go directly to him or her. Ask if there's any additional work you can take on or anything they see that you can do to improve your job performance. It makes you look responsible and concerned, and it may make your boss reevaluate the way he or she views you as an employee.

Fortunately, we're not helpless victims of our problems. Take control of the issues your body and mind are making you aware of through stress. You'll feel more in control and experience less stress, regardless of the outcome.

When you're sick, you're stressed. Colds, coughs and the flu can make it hard just to get out of bed and even harder to meet the challenges of a new day. Once a new illness takes hold, it can take days to recover fully and even longer to catch up on your to-do list. You can save yourself a lot of stress - and misery - by doing what you can to prevent getting sick, before it happens.

Schedule Your Sleep
If you're overly tired, you're more susceptible to any illness that's going around. Be sure you're getting enough sleep, even if it means scheduling it as part of your busy evening. Your body will thank you. Set your alarm clock, get into your coziest pajamas and catch some much needed sleep.

Don't Forget Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to boost immunity. Whether you grab a bottle of orange juice on your way to work, or munch on tangy Vitamin C chewable tablets, be sure to boost your immunity before you get sick.

Ready, Set, Sanitize
Hand sanitizer isn't just for the paranoid. Direct contact with people who are sick or things that they have contaminated through touching, coughing or sneezing are ways people are exposed to illness-causing organisms. Sanitizing wipes are great for things like phones and heavy traffic copiers, and sanitizing your own hands regularly can help kill germs that you've picked up before they can reach your nose or mouth.

When it comes to staying healthy this winter a little preparation can prevent a lot of sickness and stress. So, follow these common sense tips and help yourself stay healthy all winter long.

Over the last few decades, stress has become an increasingly common word. It's also become a great scapegoat and is blamed for everything from poor job performance to crime sprees. While stress can certainly cause myriad problems if left unchecked, it has an upside, as well. Yes, some stress can be beneficial - you just have to know how to use it.

Stress is not universally bad. While losing our jobs or getting injured may cause negative stress in our lives, positive events cause stress too. Happy events like buying your first home, getting married or having a baby all come with hefty amounts of stress - we just don't think of that stress in the same way. For instance, when pregnant, women stress about money issues, buying baby clothes and preparing for labor. In other words, the stress helps them to prepare ahead of time. Stress can have some of the same positive effects, even in seemingly negative situations.

If you're totally stressed out over your finances, don't sit around hyperventilating. Financial stress is a sign that you need to do something, whether it's getting a better job, keeping closer track of your spending or creating a budget. The best thing any of us can do is learn from our stress, which will help to keep us from being stressed out in the future.

When your world seems a little too crazy, it's best to focus on the things you can control and try to let go of the rest. One huge thing that we can do to prevent a lot of our stress is to be as prepared as possible for any foreseeable problems. Oddly enough, most people don't prepare for possible downfalls and suffer tons of stress when something goes wrong as a result. Maybe it's because we don't like facing the uncertain. Or maybe it's because we're just too busy dealing with today. Whatever the reason, being prepared can reduce your stress and keep your family safe if anything should go wrong.

It's easy to feel completely powerless in everyday life. It feels like we don't control anything. Will we be employed next week? Will our stock-based investments ever go back up? What if our bank goes bankrupt? As individuals, our lack of control over all of this is frightening. But instead of focusing on what you can't control, ask yourself how you can be prepared to deal with those problems. Even if your job currently feels secure, update your resume and make sure at least one suit is at the ready for a job interview. Consult a financial adviser on the relative stability of your investments. It might be time to move them to a low-risk environment. If your savings is lacking, make a solid commitment to start adding to it with each paycheck. If things go wrong, you can start acting to fix them immediately. Not only will your big problems seem more manageable, but you'll have the added comfort of knowing you did everything you could to be prepared.

When a person doesn't get enough rest, their body isn't the only thing that's affected. Exhaustion affects you mentally, physically and emotionally. Not getting enough sleep influences your ability to make good decisions, react well to friends and family and perform well at work. It's harder to do anything well when you're tired. Here are three great tips for making sure you find enough time for rest in your busy schedule.

Schedule Your Sleep
Just like a business meeting, play dates or family dinners, try scheduling your sleep time. Taking care of yourself and your health is worth it! Every individual is different, and you probably know how much sleep you need to be at your best. Schedule a bedtime and set your alarm for a time that will allow you plenty of morning time to prepare for your day.

Create A Bedtime Routine
If you're like me, you can't go straight from cleaning the house to hitting the hay. Giving yourself time to wind down can help you fall asleep faster and have a more restful night's sleep. At least a half an hour before bedtime, start getting ready by changing into some cozy pajamas, slipping on a soft pair of slippers and grabbing a cup of hot cocoa.

Watch What You Eat
Before bedtime, at least! Although it sounds like common sense, it can be easy to slip up. For instance, I love sipping a can of soda while I watch a movie before bed, but caffeine and sugar can make it harder to rest soundly. You also might want to avoid drinking a lot of anything right before going to sleep to avoid sleep-disturbing bathroom breaks.

When you put yourself first and stay well rested, it's easier to handle whatever stress may come your way. With a little bit of planning and the right priorities, you can be in optimum shape every day.

This holiday season, there's a lot to be stressed about. Every year, the chaos surrounding the holidays leaves people feeling frazzled and fatigued. And this year, there are many other serious stressors that people are facing - job insecurity, financial woes and a slipping, unstable economy. Unfortunately, there is no stress-reduction method that will make these stressful situations go away. In addition to taking steps to reduce your overall stress (like working out and getting enough rest), there is another, more important factor. This year, more than ever, it's all about attitude.

Everyone has heard the following inspirational advice: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." While it sounds cliché, taking that advice is probably the best thing you can do to reduce your stress levels and improve your life. When the world seems to be spinning out of control -- you don't have enough money to get all of the presents you want to buy, or you're afraid your job will disappear after the holidays -- ask yourself what you can and cannot control. You may not have all of the money you want to buy presents, but you can budget the money you have and put extra thought into your gifts. And you can't control whether or not your company is planning cutbacks, but you can make sure your work is commendable and save a little of your pay check just in case. By concentrating on the things you can control and letting go of the things you can't, you not only reduce your stress but improve your life in countless ways.

The next time life throws you a curveball, ask yourself - what is it in my power to do right now? And then commit to what you can do and do it. It will give you a feeling of power and control over a seemingly crazy situation. This year, serenity, courage and wisdom make all the difference.

It's easy to say that around this time of year you become overburdened with stress in your life. In truth, you deal with stress pretty much all the time, so you need ways to deal with it that can help year round, not just during the holidays. Keeping a steady watch on your stress can help to avoid that all-too-embarrassing explosion later on, and part of that comes from managing everyday wear and tear on your person.

Most people are on their feet during the day. Pretty much every profession out there involves being mobile, and many people never get the chance to sit down. While for most this doesn't seem like a big deal, it can be draining to those who train, teach or present for hours on end. Also, what about people trapped on assembly lines, behind counters or at mall kiosks? The average worker is on their feet constantly, and this can wear them down more than they realize.

One great way to ease this long-term foot torture is to switch out your shoes mid-day. It may sound weird, but you'll be amazed at how refreshed you'll feel just from switching your footwear. Maybe your old shoes were too tight, or maybe one pair makes you stand a certain way while another makes you readjust. For example, just slipping on a pair of Tommy Bahama Marine Blvd. loafers behind the counter at lunch may help to completely reenergize your legs, which should get the rest of you going.

Switching out your shoes can help after work too. During the holiday season, many poor souls go straight from their work to the mall or other shopping nightmare zones and spend additional hours on their feet trying to get through the crowds. This alone is stressful enough, but if you're already mentally exhausted by the end of the day, there's no need to compound that with any leg pain.

Stress is a year-round problem, and most of it is compounded by our day-to-day living. Doing little things here and there can help to avoid stress build up over the long term, and sometimes all you need to get started is a fresh outlook or at least a fresh pair of shoes.

Thanksgiving just kicked off the five weeks of absolute holiday craziness. People often get very stressed out very quickly during this time, with regular stress compounded with biting cold weather and the chaos of the holidays. In my experience, there's one quick-fix stress reducer that works better than all the rest: massage. Not only is massage in itself relaxing - it's hard to even think about anything stressful while you're getting one. Unfortunately, in the current economy, luxuries like professional massage have been cut out of most personal budgets.

Believe it or not, you CAN enjoy all the benefits of massage without breaking the bank. If you think that the only way you can enjoy a massage is by paying someone $100 an hour to do it, then think again. If you have a significant other that likes to give or receive massages, you've already got it made. Set a date (or dates) to give each other long, soothing massages. You may want to set them up for different days - you get a massage one weekend, he gets one the next. The reason? You can relax and enjoy your massage, and he can enjoy his, without having to immediately turn around and give one. When it's time for your massage, pick out an aromatic massage oil or lotion, slip on some cozy slippers and a robe, and enjoy!

If you don't have a significant other, or don't think he or she would enjoy the idea, you have plenty of other options. Electric body massagers aren't what they used to be. Today, professional ones like percussion massagers can pound out the stress nearly as well as a masseuse. New businesses are also opening (such as the chain "Massage Envy") that offer professional massages at low rates, which are more affordable. If you don't want to splurge for even an inexpensive massage, you can drop the hint one would make a great Christmas gift. So, enjoy the soothing experience of massage without the heavy price tag and actually enjoy this holiday season!

Depending on where you live, winter has recently decided to come home to roost; by come home, we mean run you over with a steam roller. The unseasonably warm weather finally decided to end this week and deliver the cold air and biting winds that we associate with fall and the stress and madness of holiday culture.

The holidays are stressful. This in itself isn't news; what helps is how you handle the holidays. Many people find the rush of the holidays to be too much, and the attitudes of those rushing to be a bit too negative. Here is some advice for the weary in dealing with holiday woes.

First off, relax. You've got plenty of time, so make the most of it. Don't let everything go until the last minute. If it helps, set one weekend aside to shop for each family member in order to keep things straight.

Secondly, make sure you stay comfortable. Your level of stress will only increase the more uncomfortable you are. Invest in some quality footwear. Nothing says comfort like a soft, fuzzy boot, and if wearing a nice brown pair of Gabriella Rocha StudioBroadway boots isn't enough to get your stress down, combine them with some comfort coffee and cookies. Walking the malls can be very draining, after all.

Third, remember that you won't be able to do everything, so stop stressing about all that has to be done and focus on the big stuff first. In the end, the holidays will happen whether you're ready or not, so do what you need, and then do what you want.

Fourth, try to set aside a bit of "you" time each day. Even if it's just five minutes, do something completely selfish for yourself. Get that extra large coffee, munch on that chocolate cookie or read that book you've been meaning to. Taking a minute to decompress can save you hours of stress-related headaches later on.

The holidays are stressful, but they don't have to be unbeatable. If you plan ahead and make an effort to stay comfortable, most of your stress will be manageable. Remember to take your time and take time for yourself this holiday season.

If you're like most busy people today, you may not have time for some of the common stress-reduction techniques, like hot baths, exercise or meditation. Between work and family commitments, you may have trouble finding time to sleep. Fortunately, there are things you can do on the go to help reduce your stress levels.

Tension hand balls are popular, portable and easy to fit in your purse. They come in a variety of styles and densities, and are often seen in chaotic office environments. But they're great for other times, too. When you're stuck in traffic or waiting in line at the grocery store, squeezing a tension ball can bring immediate relief.

Another helpful hint that may seem odd is this: take an essential oil version of your favorite scent and apply it to a small handkerchief. Place the handkerchief in a small plastic bag to preserve the scent. When you're feeling stressed out, take it out and inhale the scent two to three times or more. Whether its rosemary mint or cherry almond, your favorite scent offers a quick mini-vacation from whatever you're doing.

Portable, hand-held massagers are also great for on the go stress relief. Battery-operated, hand-held massagers fit neatly in your purse and can be used on tense muscles during traffic jams or other periods of downtime.

In today's technological arena, you probably have an MP3 player, a car CD player or both. Make the most out of these by keeping music that relaxes you handy, setting the back drop for a smoother day. Whether it's Mozart, pop or jazzy artists like Norah Jones, your favorite music can be one of the most effective stress reducers around.

Grab a few of these quick tension fixers and get on with your day in a less-stressed way. If you can't stop for stress reduction, these tips allow you to take it with you in easy ways.

If you always seem to be stressed out, the fall and winter probably don't make it any easier. There's less greenery, fewer flowers and the icy temps make lounging around outside or taking a walk downright uncomfortable. Due to all of these things, some people actually find that they suffer from weather-related depression. Fortunately, there are several ways to bring a touch of Mother Nature's best into your home, and it will help you to relax.

Buy Fresh Flowers Once a Week
They don't have to be roses, and they don't have to be expensive. Stop by your local grocery or flower shop and pick up a cute little bouquet made up of wildflowers or other common blooms. Be sure to follow the directions when putting them into a vase and add the plant food. Place them in an area of the house you spend time in, such as the living room or dining room. It'll brighten up your home and your mood.

Change Your Bulbs
Is your indoor lighting a little harsh? You might be surprised to know you can get light bulbs that actually simulate natural outdoor lighting! This can help soften the blow of losing so much sunlight; and again, it will probably make you feel better.

Keep Eating Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Even if you don't grow them yourself, you probably eat more fresh fruits and vegetables when it's warm out. When the cold weather hits, that seems to stop. During colder months, people eat fewer fresh foods and more canned or frozen foods. To stay feeling fresh, try eating fresh. Eat fresh or steamed fruits and veggies at least once a day. It's good for you, and it's one less change from the warm days of summer.

By making a few easy and inexpensive changes, you can help ease your stress by beating the winter blues. With great lighting and fresh surroundings, you might even forget it is cold - until you step outside!

When it comes to stress reduction, people think of all sorts of things: hot baths, aromatherapy, exercise and time management. But there's one easy (and obvious) stress reducer that nearly everyone overlooks. We all take it for granted, but breathing right can make you feel better, help you think more clearly and reduce muscle tension. It also makes exercise easier on the body, providing more oxygen during your workout. Believe it or not, breathing the right way on a consistent basis is harder than it sounds!

The right kind of breathing will cause both your chest and your stomach to rise! During regular breathing, most people note just the chest rising. But think about it: your lungs extend nearly to the base of your ribcage, ending at your diaphragm. When the chest is the only thing that rises, it means you're only using a portion of your lung capacity!

If you pay attention to how you "normally" breathe, you'll notice that most breaths are shallow, with intermittent, deeper breaths. To get a feel for deeper breathing, place your hands on your chest and abdomen. As you breathe in, concentrate on causing your stomach to rise, filling your lungs as much as possible. Now, breathe the entire breath out and repeat. Try to breathe like this as often as possible, particularly when you're feeling anxious or tense.

It's a simple thing, but sometimes the best ideas are that easy. No gadgets, gizmos or cash required. Just breathe well and reap the benefits.

Remember when you were younger? As a kid, your feelings were pretty much bared for the world to see. When you were mad, you screamed. When you were upset, you cried. And if someone in front of you was walking too slowly, you just pushed them out of the way! As you got older and reached adolescence, you had to learn to bottle up many of those feelings to conform to society's expectations. For many teens, a journal becomes their best friend. They pour their hopes, fears and feelings into the empty pages of a journal. At some point, we decide we're too old for that sort of thing, and we set out to deal with all of those bottled thoughts and emotions with little or no outlet. It's no wonder we as a generation are so stressed out!

Guess what? Journaling isn't just for kids anymore. Whether you choose to vent your feelings on a computer or in a journal, it can help you to reduce your stress and improve your emotional health. Some stores even carry journals specifically designed for adults, without pictures of puppies, kittens or fairy princesses on the cover. (Unless you want one like that!) When journaling, you can write whatever you feel as you're feeling it - emptying the bottled-up emotions, so to say. Later, you can go back and read what you've wrote. Doing so can tell you a lot about where you're at emotionally, if you're on the right track, and what you might be able to do to help yourself. Sometimes, we even hide our true feelings from ourselves, such as the need to change careers or get out of a bad relationship. These issues often come out when journaling and are harder to ignore when you see them on paper.

If your day-to-day life makes you want to scream, cry or knock someone out, try hashing your feelings out with a journal. It's inexpensive, easy and can change your life.