Coping with debt stress

June 3, 8:44 PMSF Fitness ExaminerJim Evans

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The present state of the economy is having an adverse affect on more than just the pocketbook. According to a recent Associated Press-AOL Health Poll, debt stress is impacting the health of as many as 10-16 million people in this country.  The Bay Area has been particularly impacted by California's economic crisis and one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.   

Of those polled across the country, 27% suffered from ulcers or digestive tract problems; 44% had migraines or other headaches; 29% suffered severe anxiety; 23% had severe depression; 6% reported heart attacks (twice the rate of those with low debt stress); and 51% had muscle tension. Sound familiar?

The body is capable of dealing with stress naturally, but when stress continues unabated for any length of time, it can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and produce problems with memory, mood, digestion, and the immune system. How to deal with the current economic blues?

• Get out of bed with gusto every morning as soon as your feet hit the floor. Your attitude will set the tone for the entire day and set the course for how you deal with your debt stress in the long run, so think positively.

• Eat breakfast whether you feel like it or not. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and will help you control your weight during times of economic stress. Putting on extra pounds during difficult financial times only creates more anxiety and lowers your self-esteem at a time when you need to be on top of your game.

• Socialize with friends and neighbors and network with fellow workers. The more you sit around and dwell on the problem of your debt, the more the problem will grow out of proportion to reality. You will only feel sorry for yourself and stare at the walls worrying about something over which you may or may not have any control. Invite some friends over to play games or watch TV or meet at their home or the local community center. You probably think your problem is unique and that no one else in the world is experiencing what you are experiencing, but be assured that you are not alone, and it is important to allow time to de-stress in a social setting.

• Increase your physical activity. The only thing that you can control with any certainty is the way you take care of yourself so that you are better able to cope with your financial problems physically and mentally. Take a walk every day, taking a different direction or a different route each time even if you have to drive a short distance to get to the starting point. If the weather is inclement, find a local shopping mall where you can walk or, as a last resort, turn on the travel channel on your TV, grab your spouse or partner by the hand, and walk in place with each other in the middle of the living room. Or join a local fitness center with 24-hour access and no excuse that you haven’t got time.

Exercise boosts endorphins in your body that make you feel better. It also relieves tension, helps you sleep better, and reduces stress. These physical and mental changes can improve symptoms of sadness, anxiety, irritability, frustration, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness – all of which you are undoubtedly feeling at one time or another from the stress of mounting debt or increasing financial problems. Your financial consultant can advise you on your financial problems, and your doctor can help you with any medical issues, but only you can be responsible for taking care of yourself and not letting your debt situation adversely affect your health. No matter how bad things might seem, it isn’t worth sacrificing your health worrying about it because it will only make things worse. You will be better able to cope with your debt if you don’t let it overwhelm you, and sacrificing your health isn’t going to make your debt go away.