To Have Less Stress, Scale Down on Drive Time

When choosing a new doctor, dentist, hairdresser, whatever, find one as close to home as possible. 

Bonus: with gas so expensive, think of the savings! The same holds true when finding activities for any family members—stay local. 

Sure the ideal preschool, soccer club or SAT study group may be a longer commute, but add up all the drive time in advance and ask if it’s really worth it before committing to rush-hour jams and early alarm clocks. 

Still determined? Set up carpools and recognize you don’t have to be at every activity. Sure it’s fun to participate, but your child will not turn into a serial killer if you miss a few games or performances.

- Derived from an article titled “7 Thoughtful Ways to Stress Less” by Colette Carlson