Address Your Stress Today

At least, that's what a recent study by the American Psychological Foundation, described in an article at CNN.com, has found.

Of course, there are a lot of reasons to be stressed in today's world. According to the CNN article, our troubled economy tops the list. The study indicated that 80 percent of Americans suffer from worry and stress about the economy.

Over half of those who participated in the study also suffered negative consequences from the stress. The consequences ranged from headaches to lack of sleep to fatigue to anger to having an upset stomach. Such consequences indicate that stress can be a serious disrupter in our lives.

It doesn't have to be that way, though. There are healthy ways to effectively combat stress. In this article I list some of the most effective techniques. Some of these techniques I've used myself and I can verify that they work.

Here are six effective ways to fight stress:

1. Develop Healthy Habits. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep can go a long way towards offsetting the negative effects that stress can have on your physical and emotional health.

2. Take a break. With the uncertain economy you may be hesitant to take a break, but sometimes a "mental health" day is just what the doctor ordered. During your time off try not to think about your financial worries.

3. Find support. It helps to have someone to talk to about your worries. That someone as informal as a sympathetic friend or as formal as an organized support group for people suffering a financial crisis.

4. Find something to laugh about. The healing power of laughter has long been known, but did you know that laughter could also be effective in reducing stress? Look for the humor in life and feel that stress melt away.

5. Turn out the lights. Especially if you have a headache, lying in a quiet, dark room can really help. Shut the door so that other family members can't interrupt you. Soon you'll feel much more relaxed.

6. Help someone else. Focusing on someone else's troubles can take your mind off your own. If you are unsure of where your help might be needed, contact a local agency and ask where they need the most help.

There's no doubt that we live in stressful times. Left unchecked, that stress can adversely affect your life if you don't address it. Fortunately, there are effective techniques that most people can use to reduce stress.