by Tiffany Lott

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Stress is not just a temporary inconvenience; it can cause long-term health problems, such as heart disease, obesity, stomach ulcers, and even depression. Just thinking about these potential effects can be worrying. With the market plummeting, bills continuing to rise, and jobs becoming less secure, how is it possible to lower your stress level?

1. Take your available morning and afternoon breaks. Work related issues may be the cause to your anxiety. Push away from your desk, and spend a calming moment away from the computer. Relax your eyes.

2. Get out of the office. It's easy to stay in the office during your lunch break to save gas money or the hassle of traffic, but inside the office, it never fails: someone has a quick question to ask "since you're here" or you feel a pang of guilt for not picking up the phone that's constantly disturbing your much-needed peace. Trying to deflect other sources of tension may end up doing just the opposite. Drive yourself to the local park; eat your lunch in quiet as you enjoy nature.

3. Take a deep breath. Anxiety causes your heart rate to increase, and although this is the goal while at the gym doing cardiovascular workouts, stress is not the way to achieve the healthy pulse you desire. Regulating your breathing will steady your heart rate and relax your body. The effects begin immediately.

4. Escape Reality. Everyday problems can be overwhelming. Curl up on the couch at home. Watch a movie. Read a book. Dive into a romantic comedy with a light twist. Find an alternate reality in which you feel comfortable.

5. Re-organize your budget. Anxiety lingers around the corner from financial struggles. Take the time to evaluate what bills you have, which ones are necessities, and those that may be expendable. Distribute payments over each paycheck so that you have a fixed amount remaining for entertainment. This will allow you to enjoy several small activities throughout the month rather than spending all of your extra money for one pleasurable afternoon, only to go back home and penny-pinch until the next big day.

6. Talk about it. You'd be surprised how much venting can lift your burdens. A friend to which you pour your heart out may have gone through your same scenario, and has testimony of what they did to get through the situation. Lean on each other in tough times, even if it's just to know you're not alone.

7. Just don't worry about it. Easier said than done, but ultimately, as bad as we don't want to admit it, we cannot control everything. Try not to worry about things that are beyond your control. If you have a spiritual preference, you may look to a higher power. Give it to God.

See how easy this can be? Now, what time is it? Break time? Lunch time? Go be stress-free!

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