Health & Money Guide: How to stay stress free

As we fall further into the recession, more and more people's lives are being affected. Not only are many people losing their jobs and homes, but people's health is changing - and not for the better. If you're having trouble coping with your problems, or finding it hard to get your stress level under control, read on. In this article you'll find some great ways you could reduce your stress, beat your depression, and make sure your good health doesn't suffer.

Am I stressed?

Sometimes, we don't even realize that we're stressed out, until it's too late. If you let your stress levels continually increase without taking any action, you could end up becoming very unwell. Below are some of the most common signs that you can expect to experience if you're suffering from stress. If you can relate to any of these, you'll need to take steps to de-stress yourself, before you do yourself any real harm.

Do you:

- Find it hard to concentrate on the task at hand and listen to what people are saying?

- Suffer from bad indigestion?

- Have trouble sleeping at night?

- Find that you're far more irritable and bad tempered lately?

- Drink or smoke? If so, have your increased your intake of both as of late? [1]

What is causing my stress?

You need to look at what is causing your stress before you can do anything about it. Is it your current financial situation? Is it the burden of bills and debts that is causing you to worry? Or, is your increased stress level directly related to your current work environment? As soon as you pinpoint your stress source, you can take positive steps, and start changing your situation.

How to de-stress and relax:

- Work – If you decide that your stress is work related, why not take a little break. Make sure you use this time away from your job to relax, and to also think of ways that you could improve your situation, and make your life more stress free.

- Get some help – Talking to someone about your problems and stresses could really help you lighten your load. There are many health care professionals that specialize in stress related problems. They'll be able to help you reduce your stress level, and teach you techniques that will allow you to cope more easily in your everyday life.

- Relaxation – Zoning out in front of the TV at night may seem relaxing, but it's not really helping you out. Instead, try learning some breathing and relaxation techniques that will help you unwind, and fully de-stress yourself after a hard days work.

- Get some exercise – This will help to clear your head and allow you to concentrate on something new. Your endorphins will rise during your workout, which will also help by making you feel less depressed.

- Take care of yourself – You have to make sure that you eat a well balanced diet. Increased stress may cause you to lose your appetite, but it's essential that you eat good food regularly. [2]

References -

1 - Stress – http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/emotion_stress.shtml. Accessed Sept 04, 2009.

2 - Preventing stress – http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stress/Pages/Prevention.aspx. Accessed Sept 04, 2009.