"Feeling strapped? Don’t let financial stress hurt your health

Perhaps you or your partner is out of work or your investments have lost value. Maybe you just wish money wasn’t so tight every month. If times have been tough on your pocketbook and portfolio, you’re not alone. The signs of economic trouble are everywhere. However, it’s important to take steps to keep these hardships from undermining your physical and emotional well-being.

Signs of the times
The fact is that living with too much financial pressure can raise stress to unsafe levels. And, ongoing stress may lead to issues such as:

* Depression
* Anxiety
* Substance abuse
* Compulsive behaviors, such as eating disorders, excessive gambling or overspending

The effects of stress don’t stop with emotions and behavior. Some experts suggest that if stress isn’t managed, it can even lead to serious physical conditions, such as heart disease and obesity.

Stress makes itself known differently from person to person. It’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling and behaving in order to look for clues about your stress level. It may be too high if you:

* Feel unusually sad or cry a lot
* Are excessively anxious
* Have trouble sleeping
* Feel tired all the time
* Are irritable or angry
* Drink more alcohol than usual

Of course, eventually, the nation’s economy will improve. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to help get a handle on your personal finances and your stress.

Invest in a plan
For starters, try not to give in to the gloomy, negative hype in the news. Focus on what you can do to control your situation and become more competent when it comes to money. For example:

* Take a good look at your finances, even if it hurts. Think of ways you and your family can reduce expenses. It can start with something as simple as eating more meals at home or carpooling to work. If you smoke, this may be the motivation to quit that you’ve been looking for. Evaluate all the ways you spend money. Little things can add up. There may be some that you could get by without.
* Make a plan to manage your money. Perhaps, you’ve decided to pay down some credit cards or save a little more money every month. Write down specific strategies to reduce and save. Then, commit to a plan and review it regularly.
* Empower yourself. Look for opportunities to grow financially and personally. Consider talking with your employer about taking a course to improve your job skills. Or, contact a financial planner to learn how to better manage your finances. You may be able to find affordable financial guidance through government agencies and community organizations. You may want to start in the government services section of your phone book.

Create your stress defense
You can also protect against ongoing stress. It’s not always easy to make time, especially when so many responsibilities may demand your attention. But, it’s worth it. When you take care of your own needs you’re better able to care for your family’s needs, too. Consider these everyday steps:

* Be active. Playing sports or just taking a walk can reduce stress. If you’re generally healthy, aim to get at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. At least two days a week, work in some muscle-strengthening activity at a moderate intensity or higher. Just be sure to check with your doctor before significantly increasing your level of physical activity.
* Make time for yourself. Read a good book or listen to your
favorite music.
* Eat healthfully. Stress may trigger some people to reach for junk food or turn to other unhealthful eating habits. Stick with nutritious foods, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free dairy products.
* Get enough sleep. Adults need seven to nine hours. If you’re having trouble sleeping, make some changes to your sleeping habits. For instance, try going to bed at the same time each night, and get up at the same time each morning.
* Avoid unhealthful behaviors. For example, some people use smoking or drinking too much alcohol to cope with stress. Talk with your doctor if you need help quitting."