Strategies for Stress Reduction: Squeeze in Chill Time

5 Minute "Breather" Breaks: 

•  When you're starting a task, set an alarm or kitchen timer to go off in an hour. When it goes off, take a five-minute break. Stand up, stretch, walk outside.  Do something that gets your mind off the task for a few minutes. Each time you start to work again, reset that timer so you get a few minutes every hour to recharge your batteries.
• If you're working long days, it's also good to take a 15 minute break every few hours. 

Don't Neglect Lunch: 

• Taking a half-hour or an hour off for lunch can be a real energizer in the middle of a busy day. If possible, do some socializing during lunch, either in person or on the phone. 
• Find some good music and listen to it during your breaks. This can really help get your mind off work for a few minutes.

Take a Daily Walk: (if at all possible):

• A 20 to 30 minute daily walk can help reduce your stress and help you get or stay fit. 

Plan Time for Yourself:

• Get out a calendar an plan some time for yourself. Going out one night a week for a few hours can help put some balance and perspective into your life. Don't you feel and work better when you have something to look forward to? If you and your spouse can do it together, that's great. If not, take turns, if you're a single parent, may you can trade off with another single parent, or plan for when their other parent (if they're in the picture) has them. 
• Go out with friends or see a movie by yourself or with friends - whatever you enjoy. Or plan for movie time with your partner, after the kids go to sleep. 

These pauses for relaxation or breathers can help make you more efficient,  more optimistic and give you ideas you can't get when the fatigue poisons are building up in your brain.