How to Handle Recession Stress

Americans are feeling great anxiety while our country faces economic crisis and recession. Reports cannot accurately measure the full toll this is taking on people, but national surveys do show that the falling economy is affecting mental health. People who are unemployed are four times as likely to report recession stress when compared to their employed counterparts. 

An ABC poll posted that 61% of Americans say the economy is causing their severe stress. People who are greatly suffering from the recession have stress levels that are more than double those who aren't as affected. 

Americans who are experiencing recession stress due to involuntary changes in employment, such as reduced hours or pay, are twice as likely to suffer from stress even if they still have a full time job. Everyone is feeling the recession stress, either directly or indirectly. Directly because they have lost their job or indirectly because of worrying about what could happen. Experts state that it is important to reach out to those who are struggling from economy-induced or job-related stress such as co-workers, neighbors and friends. 

The following are some tips to help reduce recession stress:

1. Kindness. Simply being kind to others eases the pressure and stress that someone may be feeling. Give someone a pat on the back or a kind, uplifting word. 

2. Exercise. It has always been said that regular exercise has positive effects on stress. Exercise increases the body’s energy, which in turn increases one’s ability to work without becoming too tired. Vigorous exercise fills the body with positive feelings by inducing endorphins and ridding the body of harmful toxins. Exercise also regulates diet, weight, cardiovascular health and other factors that can cause stress-related health problems.

3. Plan. Many times stress can stem from the feeling of being out of control, either daily or weekly. A ritual of planning can decrease this feeling. Plan out each day and give yourself enough time to complete tasks. Budget time for all important parts of your life. At the end of every day, look at what has been achieved and any areas that need to be improved. It is important to always set goals that you want to reach. 

4. Organize. Throughout time, humans had always needed to organize to be able to survive, and this is even true today. When things are not organized, the brain tends to be full of panic and anxiety. The brain needs to be organized to work efficiently. Start organizing by decluttering your home.

5. Cleanse the body. It is said that laughter is the best medicine. This is also true for singing, dancing and wailing. Do not keep your emotions inside where they can build up. Let them out by laughing, crying or having a party. 

6. Get a fresh perspective. Tell yourself how good your life is and whatever happens in it, you will get through it and survive.

Argosy University offers a wide selection of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of psychology concentrations at 19 locations across the nation.