by Autherine B. Smith

Created on: July 31, 2009

In thinking of effective ways to stay healthy in the face of situational stress, I thought of all of the dozens of employees, I saw earlier today, hurrying in and out of Philadelphia's beautiful, and silver-glass curtain skyscraper, the Cira Centre, located across from the bustling 30th Street Amtrak train station. Some were texting. Others talked into their headsets. Did a single person stop today to marvel at the genius of Cesar Pelli in designing this architectural wonder, without corners on its northwest and southwest sides? Many of their faces bore the wrinkled brow of unhealthy stress levels. No time to be awestruck by Pelli's genius.

I think there are four keys to dealing with unhealthy situational stress. If, however, you are chronically stressed, for several months, without relief, you must contact your medical professional, immediately.

I imagine that the stressors in the life of the young, disabled, janitor cleaning the ground floor and those of that ,overdressed top flight commercial litigator, rushing past him for the elevator, are substantially similar. With unemployment rising into two digits, mortgage foreclosures at an alarming high, and 401k balances, slowly, stabilizing after the Wall Street meltdown, aren't they equally unsure of their futures?

This recession has cut across socioeconomic boundaries. More than 4,000 lawyers have been laid off since the beginning of 2009, along with tens of thousands of other American workers. Maybe the janitor feels less stress regarding these issues because he has the community's empathy. Except other lawyers and their families, who thinks twice about an unemployed lawyer?

In fact, some sociology researchers indicate that poor people are actually doing a better job of navigating the emotional channels of the current economic downturn. After all, if you count yourself among the working poor, you may already be accustomed to life below the federal poverty guidelines. If you've known financial security, however, this navigation may present a different set of emotional challenges.

Nonetheless, no one is immune from unhealthy stress. Whether, you are society's "prince", "pauper", or just another hard-working American doing your best to provide for your family, the following instructions can aid you in combating situational stress and maintaining your health in the process.

Turn to your faith.

Whether you are Catholic, Baptist, or Buddhist, you may alleviate stress by turning inside,

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