"Worries about the health of the economy are taking a toll on our physical and emotional health"--Dr. Andrew Weil
A recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), underscores Andrew Weil's quote: 80 percent of respondents said the economy is a significant cause of stress. Interestingly, financial concerns may be having a greater effect on women. In addition to reporting higher levels of stress than men, women were more likely to report physical symptoms of stress such as fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, upset stomach, and irritability. Men, on the other hand, may deny that they are being affected by stress even though they are suffering. When I see clients in my office, the women are more likely to know how they feel and be able to talk about what's causing problems. The men will often tell me they are "fine" and if there is a problem it's being caused by someone or something else. This makes men seem less troubled, but their denial also can make it more difficult to make things better.
We often make things worse by trying to "escape" from our worries. The APA survey found women are more likely to turn to food for comfort, while men are more apt to drown their troubles in alcohol. But rather than try to escape the inescapable, here are some strategies I have found helpful.
Walk in nature: There is something healing about getting outside in nature. Whatever the problems of our "civilized" way of life, getting in touch with the natural world can be very healing. Walking alone can give us a chance to meditate and relax. Walking with others gives us a sense of camaraderie and connection.Practice relaxation: Daily practice of a relaxation technique-such as breath work, meditation, or yoga-can reduce anxious thoughts. The key is to do something daily. Stress builds up every day and we need to release it every day.Take care of your body: A good diet, regular activity, and adequate sleep can help your mood. Sleep is very important and it often becomes disrupted when we are worried and scared. I've found that doing some stretching exercises before I go to bed helps relax me and takes out the kinks of the day.Offer simple acts of kindness: Doing something nice for someone else helps keep our thoughts positive. We may not be able to influence the Stock Market or keep the prices of food and fuel from going up, but we can always do something nice for someone else. Even a kind note or a word of appreciation can make someone else feel cared for. And caring for someone else is one of the best ways to care for yourself.. Come visit me at www.MenAlive.com and receive your free e-newsletter on health.
