Stressed and on a Tight Budget? Here Are 7 Free or Nearly Frees Tips to Help You Cope

Are you stressed out and on a tight budget? Here are some free or low cost ways to beat stress.

1. Take a long walk.

Walks are the best way to de-stress! If you are like many Americans, you probably don't walk very many places. In fact, if you plan on starting a walking program, you might even have to survey the area near your home in order to find a safe, nice place to walk.

2. Take a long, hot, bubble bath.

Let's face it, this one is mainly geared towards the women, but there is absolutely nothing more relaxing.

3. Read a book.

Reading a book is a calming, soothing activity that can be enjoyed at any age. Rediscover your love for reading! Make a conscious effort to turn off the TV and curl up on the couch with a good book. One book will often lead to another! Watch your stress melt away. The best part is that you don't need to spend a dime in order to get good reading material. Your local library will gladly loan you any book that you desire.

4. Vent your anger on-line.

There are a lot of great websites, blogs, and forums out there. Explore them! You will normally be able to either find something you don't agree with at all or something you agree with completely. Either way, you are bound to find something you're passionate about. Take guilty pleasure in debating which TV show is best, or better yet, get involved in one of the very heated political discussions on websites such as Netscape.com. The Internet has taken the idea of democracy to a whole new level; relieve your stress by making yourself heard. You might not feel as though your opinions are heard or valued in real life, but you can ensure that they are on-line.

5. Clean, clean, clean.

Not everyone will feel this way, but cleaning can be great therapy. You can see immediate results and vent all of your frustrations on that pesky spot in the carpet. The best part, you'll end up with a sparkling house once you are finished. Coming home to a clean sanctuary after the end of a stressful day at work is a welcomed escape.

6. Spend time with family and friends.

If you have an awful day, there is nothing like chatting with family and friends to let off steam. Calling plans these days aren't all that expensive, especially cell phone plans. Take advantage of your support network.

7. Date your mate.

This may seem silly, but set aside a night to go out on the town with your significant other. It will give you time to reconnect with your loved one; as well as forget the issues you were facing that day. It will also help you to create great memories.

By utilizing these simple 7 tips, you can save your sanity! A little time to de-stress goes a long way in this day and age of excess stress.