This post originally appeared onThe Simple Dollar.
It can feel like everything youve worked for in your whole life is slipping right through your fingers.
Here are 10 strategies to keep that stress at bay.
Strategy #1: Stop Wasting Time
Many people respond to stress by using time-wasters to procrastinate.
The problem with that is that it usually makes the problemworsewhen they face it again.
Focus on the problem at hand.
So, how do you actually focus on the problem at hand?
The next several strategies will help you do just that.
Why is the checking account always empty?
Its usually unclear and that can be incredibly frustrating and stressful and scary.
Similarly, delete your card numbers from online accounts.
This is the equivalent of throwing a rag into a leaky bucket.
Heres the thing, though you already have a ton of those resources.
This isthetime to start using up all of the stuff that you have on hand.
Dig into the back of your closet and wear all of the clothing you already have.
Go through all of the options for entertainment that you already have.
You have a ton of value already in your home.
Take advantage of it before opening up your wallet elsewhere.
Strategy #4: Devise a Plan
Youve stopped most of the financial leaks for now.
So, whats next?
The next key strategy is to devise a plan to take on whatever your financial crisis is all about.
Simply having a plan of action in hand can be a tremendous stress reliever.
Youhaveto take tangible steps to make that planreal.
Then, rinse and repeat.
Make these kinds of actions part of your daily life.
For extroverts, this process often works better through actual conversations with others.
Find someone you deeply trust and talk through the whole situation piece by piece.
Quite often, it can reveal new solutions, too.
The best solution to those problems is complete honesty.
Dont hideanythingfrom your spouse.
Bring complete honesty about your own mistakes and missteps to the table.
Be the one that takes the lead and brings the honesty and self-reflection that a healthy marriage needs.
Lay it all on the table.
Eat a wide variety of produce to ensure youre getting a wide variety of vitamins and micronutrients.
Not only that, exercise and sleep tend to also work together, making the effects of each stronger.
Put some time aside each day for exercise.
You dont need an aerobics class to get your heart pumping and your muscles moving.
Similarly, give yourselfplentyof time to sleep each night.
Start going to bed earlier so that youre not awakened by an alarm but by your bodys natural rhythms.
Adequate sleep makes your mind far clearer and washes away many of the negative mental aspects of stress.
Many people confuse the two and substitute burning time for actual leisure.
Look for free things todothat genuinely engage you andleave you feeling happierafter having done it.
A good leisure activity doesnt just feel like youre blocking out your troubles.
Image byMaraga(Shutterstock).
