What are some things people can do to cope with economic stress?

There are ways to deal with stress in general, regardless of what the cause is, said Mike McCluskey, clinical administrator with The Excel Group. And then there are ways to deal with things that are more of a financial matter, he said.

People experiencing stress may feel sleepless, restless or be experiencing cold sweats, anxiety and fear without even knowing where the fear is coming from, he said.

“I would say first things first. In my opinion, if you were dealing with financial problems, the first thing you want to deal with are things you can change.”

If you’ve been laid off from your job, for example, you can’t do anything about that, he said. So instead of focusing on the negative things that have happened, change your focus to things you can control such as updating your resume and looking for a new job, he said.

Keep a positive attitude and don’t let the situation get you down, he said. “If we keep a positive attitude, we have a lot better chance of seeing opportunities for growth … (but) if you’re only focused on what happened that caused this bad thing to happen to you, you are less likely to see the opportunities that present themselves.”

Tips for coping with economic stress

- Develop a positive attitude about money in general. Although this would help prevent financial problems, it will also help if implemented after problems arise.

- Keep a budget. Know where your money comes from and where you spend it, so you can learn to save and spend wisely.

Tips for coping with stress in general

- Use relaxation techniques. Take a time out from ringing phones or whatever is causing you problems and practice taking about 40 slow, deep breaths.

- Get regular exercise. One of the most important things you can do is to maintain your physical condition. Try to get at least 20 minutes of exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or bike riding at least three times a week.

Consult your physician before starting any exercise plan.

- Eat responsibly and sensibly. One of the worst things a stressed person can do is to drink caffeine, alcohol or take nonprescribed drugs. People who consume these things make their problems worse in the long run.

- Protect yourself from negative people. If you’re experiencing problems of any kind, try to limit your exposure to negative people because negative thinking only tends to tear people down.

“So, the way we really combat stress is really just having a healthy lifestyle, and that’s it,” McCluskey concluded. In the matter of financial stress, implement a financial plan and learn to have a spending strategy that works for you, he said.

The Excel Group of Yuma Main Campus is located at 3220 E. 40th St., and the number is 341-0335.