In uncertain economic times, the YMCA is just what you need, offering a warm and welcoming environment, supportive communities, and opportunities relieve stress and improve health and well-being.

Here are some tips that will help you navigate a volatile economy:
Stress & Anxiety | Thankfulness | Be Proactive | Family Support | Job Loss

Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a common problem that affects almost all of us at some point in our lives. Right now, due to the uncertainties of the economy you may be feeling tired, uptight, not your usual self. Learning to identify when you are under stress, what is stressing you, and different ways of coping with stress can greatly improve both your mental and physical well being.

If you have a lot of responsibilities and worries, you may be running on stress a good portion of the time. Prolonged exposure to stress increases your risk of everything from heart disease, obesity, and infection to anxiety, depression, and memory problems. Because of the widespread damage it can cause, it’s essential to learn how to deal with stress in a more positive way and reduce its impact on your daily life.

4 Things In 5 Minutes! Four quick tips for relaxing on the spot:

• Breathe deeply - take several deep breaths to slow down your heart rate and reduce your anxiety.

• Relax your muscles - stretch your neck, stand or sit up straight, get some of the tension out of your body.

• Make a change - step back from what you're doing and/or what's stressing you; a few seconds can bring a lot of perspective.

• Laugh - nothing relieves the tension in your body, or your mind, like a little humor

Thankfulness
At times like these it is not easy for us to step away from our own disappointments or problems to think of others, but sometimes thinking of and helping others but that can be just what the doctor ordered to brighten your day.

Ardath Rodale, Chief Inspiration Officer of Rodale Inc and the author of several books including Everyday Miracles suggests at the end of the day, let's ask ourselves, "What am I thankful for, and how have I reached out to help someone today?" He encourages us to remember, gratitude shines a light on the personal miracles in our own lives.

Be Proactive
Be brave, and look at your income and your debt. A lot of people are really afraid to look at the truth of their finances, but now's the time. Before you can create a plan, you have to look at the situation as it is. Think of ways to cut down your expenditures, and save more money.

Ask for your kids' input. Try a brain storming session with the whole family to create a better budget. You'll be surprised at the money saving advice that your kids may provide, because they will be seeing the situation through different, less complicated eyes. Find ways that each member of the family can work toward a solution, even if it's as simple as turning off unused lights (thereby saving on the family's electricity bill).

A Few Budgeting Tips:

• Decorating Savings: Make collections of rocks, shells and other things you can collect together or on trips. Anything looks good in a frame and mat board. Display your children's art work.

• Money Savings: If you must use your credit card, keep a running total of everything you've charged during the month. Subtract each purchase from your misc. money in your budget. That way you will always know if you are on budget or charging more than you can pay off when the bill comes.

• Energy Savings: Lower your thermostat temperature a couple of degrees and wear sweaters around your house. When you use your dishwasher, stop it before the drying cycle, and open the door to air dry your dishes.

• Gift Savings: Instead of buying a gift and birthday card for someone today, make a homemade card and a batch of his or her favorite cookies to show how much you care.

Family Support
Family bonds need support. If your family unit isn’t as tight as you’d like it, or if your kids seem to be slipping away, or your kids don’t understand the current economic situation here is an important tip: Make your family the place where you feel like you belong, the place where no one can hurt you, the place where you can learn something new each day from the ones who love you the most.

• Show your love to each family member. Let the members in you family know you love them for who he or she is, not for what he or she does.

• Make a contentious effort to let the members of your family know that he or she is special. List at least three good qualities of each family member and post them on your refrigerator.

• Praise each other. Notice the positive qualities in each other and try to not focus on the negative qualities.

• Listen to the members in your family just don’t let it go in one ear and come out the other. When someone in your family shares something with you, give that person your undivided attention and listen carefully.

• Have family times. Have regular times for the family to have fun together, such as playing board or card games. Try to have as many family meals together as possible. Encourage family bonding time.

• Look for activities with the whole family can bond together and spend special moments together where everyone can feel close, a feeling of acceptance, and unconditional love from the people who mean the most in their lives

Job Loss
Being separated from one's job is extremely difficult. Many of us closely identify ourselves by what we do for a living. When the job is taken away, we can lose track of who we are and even why we are.

In addition to taking care of the practical things like unemployment and health insurance make sure to do the following:

• Follow a daily schedule - work on resumes, make calls, do research, set up interviews for at least six hours a day.
• Be good to yourself - eat well, exercise, have fun, get adequate rest.
• Focus on possibilities and accomplishments, not on failures.