S is for Stress (Category: Economy)
|
November 19, 2008 |
5:01 PM
While we've been discussing the various ways in which the economic crisis has been effecting our retirement funds, our jobs, and our financial security, we haven't really delved into the way in which these times are effecting our emotions. In the other words, is the stress of it all getting the best of us?
AARP.org has a great piece, "Losing Control: Why Money Worries Are Keeping Us Up at Night", that discusses the ways in which the economy has our stress levels sky-high:
According to an American Psychological Association (APA) poll released in October, the miserable economy "significantly stressed" a whopping 80 percent of Americans in September, up from 66 percent in April. The survey compared the stress levels of more than 2,500 adults nationwide.Among the respondents, women reportedly felt more anguish about declining economic conditions than men did--84 percent compared with 75 percent. And those over age 63 reported more stress (86 percent) than boomers ages 44 to 62 (83 percent) and those ages 18 to 29 (71 percent). However, when it came to day-to-day pocketbook issues, the youngest age group (83 percent) reported being more worried than boomers (79 percent) and those 63-plus (73 percent).
And of course, stress isn't good for the body, says Katherine Nordal, executive director for the APA's professional practice. "If Americans continue to experience these high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time, they're at risk for developing serious illnesses." And considering the high costs for health care, that is the last thing Americans - particularly older Americans - need right now.
So if you're feeling anxiety, it may be time to start thinking about ways to reduce the stress in your life. My best outlet is yoga - the perfect zen body and mind workout. How do you de-stress?
Tags: economic impact, stress
Comments
Mary McKinney says:
I HAVE ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY AND A PENSION AND AM IN MY LATE SIXTIES. THE COST OF LIVING IS RISING FASTER AND I DO NOT GET MUCH INCREASES IN MY INCOME. THE GARBAGE GOES UP, THE LIGHT COMPANY IS GETTING A HUGH RAISE, THE LOCAL GOVERMENT IS IMPOSING ANOTHER TAX, MY CAR INSURANCE IS GOING UP, THE TELEPHONE BILL IS ALMOST TO MUCH, EVEN IF I USE ONLY THE BAREST OF SERVICES. THE GROCERIES ARE A JOKE. HAS ANYONE LOOKED AT HOW MUCH YOU ARE PAYING FOR A PRODUCT. A POUND IS NOT A POUND ANYMORE, ONLY 12 0UNCES, CEREAL, SUGAR, COFFEE EVERYTHING IS MEASURED NOT IN POUNDS ANYMORE. I TRULY THANK GOD FOR WHAT I HAVE!!!! I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILDREN AND THE YOUNGER GENERATION.
11/19/08 5:50 PM