by M.J. Holliday

Created on: July 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 17, 2009

Anxiety about money or the future puts a lot of stress on families and individuals. Once negative feelings take hold, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

We depend on our income to take care of our needs and to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. We naturally fear loss. In fact, the human mind reacts twice as strongly to loss as it does to gain.

We humans have strong emotional ties to money. The amount of money we earn, and our ability to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, are primary factors in how we value ourselves as individuals. In the face of unemployment, threat of job loss, mounting bills and ever more sacrifices, our self-esteem can take a beating.

What can you do to maintain your self-esteem, when confronted with job loss and the recession?

1. Separate the sense of self from the finances.

An overload of stress and depression makes it easy to blame oneself. Understand that bad things can happen to good people. It's not personal. A period of hardship or sacrifice doesn't need to be hopeless. Separating the sense of who you are, from how much money you have, can put you more in touch with yourself and the important things in life.

2. Write about feelings and frustrations in a private journal.

Writing helps get to the root of the issue. Write in a journal or diary whenever you feel the need. If insomnia is a problem, keep a journal by the bedside, and try writing before going to sleep. Write without thinking, and let the words come out as they may.

3. Eat well.

A healthy body copes better with stress. Don't skip breakfast. If that sounds like a cliche, remember that cliches exist because they're true. Food is energy. Your body has spent the whole night without food. The energy of a good breakfast fuels the body, makes you better able to resist viruses and germs that cause illness, and improves your mood throughout the day.

4. Sleep well.

Get to bed early. It's sometimes hard to quiet nagging thoughts and get the recommended eight hours, but a good night's sleep is essential to your health and mood. Sleep in a dark, quiet room. Don't fall asleep on the couch. Drink warm milk before going to bed. Milk contains vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, which is a natural antidepressant.

5. Exercise.

Walk, jog, swim, cycle or join a team. Even if money is tight, you can enjoy the benefits of exercise. A brisk walk gets the blood flowing, and pumps oxygen into the muscles and brain, for a natural energy boost. Exercise also sharpens the mind.

6. Talk to a counselor.

A growing number of people use online counseling to help with self-esteem, financial anxiety, and other personal issues. Online therapy is convenient for those who are busy, don't have the energy to leave the house, or just don't want to see a therapist in person. It's more cost-effective than an office visit to a therapist, and doesn't involve the hassle of getting there. Online therapy is the best way to work with a professional counselor from the comfort of home.

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