These days and weeks of economic freefall are stressful for even the calmest of us. As a Sandwiched Boomer you face the additional challenges of caring for your aging parents and growing children. Now is the time to make the commitment to take better care of yourself as well.

Spend time relaxing and rejuvenating as you develop stress relievers to counteract burnout. Take better care of your body through exercise, good nutrition and proper rest. Attend to your mind and your spirit. Practice techniques of deep breathing, relaxation or your own form of meditation Set aside quiet time and do what it is that brings you personal pleasure.

As you begin this journey, give yourself the priceless gift of a life less stressed. Remember to pack your patience, as change is a process that takes time. Make a decision to leave behind the emotional baggage that is too large to fit in the overhead compartment. You'll soon discover that the small changes you make allow more peacefulness to emerge in your hectic life. Take heart as you embrace and celebrate the simplicity of the present moment.

As you begin to feel more confident about yourself and the decisions you make, you can decrease some of the stress you are feeling as a Sandwiched Boomer.

Take control of what is within your reach. And have the wisdom to know the difference between what you can manage and what you can't. In addition, recognize that you don't have to do it all alone. Make the decision to ask for help whenever you need it.

Work on feeling more empowered and get involved in a culture that supports this. Be grateful for what you have by getting outside yourself. Put the focus on others in need – become a mentor to at-risk youths or share your skills and experience with a homeless shelter.

Tomorrow we will finish our tips for managing the stresses in your life - vital in this time of economic uncertainty.