Surviving Tax Day

Overcoming Anxiety on Tax Day with the 3-3-3 Rule

Ah, Tax Day—the dreaded annual event that fills every adult with a blend of excitement, dread, and a touch of existential crisis. If you're anything like me, the mere mention of April 15th sends a shiver down your spine. As tax season approaches, you start to feel that familiar flutter in your stomach, reminiscent of the time you tried to impress your crush with your cooking skills. You know the feeling: "It's just a few forms; what's the worst that could happen?" Cue the mental image of my receipts unraveling like a bad magician's act, each one trailing off into uncertainty.

So, there you are, sitting at your kitchen table surrounded by a mountain of crumpled receipts and half-eaten snacks (it's important to fuel the anxiety, right?). Your calculator is sweating more than you are, and as you try to add up expenses, you suddenly remember you haven't seen your brain since last July. Why do numbers feel like hieroglyphics? Why do you suddenly question all your life choices?

At this point, your anxiety escalates to Olympic levels. You start frantically searching for the one W-2 you convinced you lost somewhere between the couch cushions and the Bermuda Triangle. Each moment spent searching feels like an episode of "Survivor: Tax Edition." Do you call the tax office? Or do you just live life in shame and denial? The stakes have never been higher!

Fast forward to April 14th, the day before the deadline. If you thought you could avoid your taxes until the last moment—think again. You're knee-deep in TurboTax like a caffeinated rabbit in a carrot patch. Your significant other walks in to find you engaging in a passionate debate with your computer about whether or not you can claim your dog as a dependent.

The moment comes when you finally click "Submit." A wave of relief washes over you, like successfully dodging a rogue golf ball on a sunny day. You're ready to celebrate! But wait, wasn't I supposed to double-check my calculations? Did I file as Single, or did I accidentally declare myself as "Overwhelmed with Regret"? The anxiety spikes again as you bite your nails and consider calling a tax professional.

Tax Day may bring anxiety (and a few tears), but it also brings the glorious relief of finally moving on. Just remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. Most of us are muddling through this math nightmare together! So, raise a glass of (unofficial) post-tax season celebration drink and toast to the shared joy of submitting those forms, even if it means a temporary visit from your good friend Anxiety. Here's to next year's chaos—may it come with fewer receipts and a lot more humor!

The 3-3-3 Rule

Dealing with anxiety can be a challenging experience, but simple techniques can help bring some calm to your mind. One effective method that many people find helpful is the 3-3-3 Rule. This approach is straightforward, versatile, and can be practiced anytime, anywhere, making it a go-to technique whenever anxious feelings arise, ensuring you're always prepared to manage your anxiety.

What is the 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 Rule is designed to ground you, a technique that can help you stay in the present moment and reduce the intensity of your anxiety. It provides a moment of mental clarity when anxiety starts to take hold. It encourages you to focus on your surroundings and center your thoughts. Here's how it works:

1. Name 3 things you can see: Look around you and identify three things in your environment. This could be the color of a wall, a piece of furniture, or even a plant. For instance, you might notice the green leaves of a plant, the brown color of your desk, and the white wall in front of you. By focusing on external objects, you redirect your mind away from anxious thoughts.

2. Name 3 things you can hear: Close your eyes briefly and concentrate on the sounds around you. Maybe you hear the hum of a computer, birds chirping outside, or distant chatter. Acknowledging these sounds helps to anchor you in the present moment and shifts your attention away from anxiety.

3. Move 3 parts of your body: Finally, try to move three different parts of your body. This could be as simple as wiggling your fingers, rolling your shoulders, or tapping your feet. Engaging physically reconnects you to your senses and can counteract the physical sensations that often accompany anxiety.

Anxiety can feel isolating, but incorporating practical tools like the 3-3-3 Rule into your daily routine can empower you to manage it effectively. By focusing on what you see, hear, and can control, you give yourself a moment to breathe and reconnect with the present. Remember, while these techniques can be helpful, they are not a substitute for professional help if anxiety persists; you don't have to navigate it alone. Embrace these small steps, and take control of your anxiety, one breath at a time.