A healthy attitude to money worries

INCREASING bills, shrinking credit and gloomy forecasts that predict, financially at least, life can only get worse are fast becoming the ingredients of a toxic cocktail that threatens the nation's health.

And headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, depression and exhaustion are just a few of the symptoms of today's newest medical condition – Credit Crunch Stress.

"The current situation, with growing financial uncertainty and anxiety about the future, is bound to impact on people's health," says stress-related medical expert, Dr Nick Read, a physician, psychotherapist and author of Sick and Tired.

"Many will feel overwhelmed and worried that they can't cope, so doctors may well see more and more people exhibiting symptoms which are triggered by stress, such as back pain, breathlessness, muscular tensions, and gut complaints such as pain, indigestion and diarrhoea. Stress also exacerbates existing illnesses like eczema, asthma, arthritis and migraines."

He estimates that currently around 50 per cent of patients visiting doctors have illnesses which cannot be diagnosed or properly treated, but whose origin is stress.

Stress can also go on to damage the body, with adrenalin increasing inflammation, exacerbating pain and even causing stomach ulcers.

Edinburgh life coach Amanda Simpson is far from surprised. She says: "People are under so much financial strain right now and, with everyone saying the outlook is bleak, it's wreaking havoc not only on their budgeting and lifestyle, but on their health too."

Thankfully, you can help avoid becoming a health casualty of the credit crunch, and here's how. . .

SLEEP EASY
Stress and anxiety is the enemy of a good night's sleep. In fact, the Institute of Medicine has found that, in the short term, poor sleep is linked to irritability, poor performance, lowered immunity and mood swings.

Depression, obesity, type two diabetes, heart disease and stroke can all be symptoms of long-term deprivation.

A good night's sleep is crucial to allow energy levels to recharge and the body and mind to repair itself. So try to allow enough time at the end of the day to prepare for sleep. Don't work until you're literally too tired to do any more, as you'll be too exhausted to switch off sufficiently to rest, and avoid watching television late at night, because it stimulates the brain.

"Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule," says Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre. "And make sure the time that you set for your bedtime is a time in which you are sleepy."

Eat three or four hours before bedtime. "Your body temperature needs to fall before you go to sleep, and it won't if you have taken in all those calories before bedtime," says Emma Conroy of Edinburgh Nutrition.

Start up a bed routine so the body knows it's time to relax. Clear the mind by making a list of tasks for the next day then put it aside until the morning. Play soothing music, have a relaxing bath and do some gentle stretching to relax muscles.

DON'T PANIC
Panic attacks are often a symptom of stress and anxiety, and can last for around 15 minutes and feature a range of symptoms including dizziness, nausea, sweating and a racing heart.

TV doctor Chris Steel of ITV1's This Morning, says: "The first thing you should do is see a doctor to make sure the symptoms aren't anything more than a panic attack. In a lot of cases they are simply the body's response to prolonged stress and may not happen again. A patient can be reassured just by talking to a doctor."

Symptoms can be improved by using relaxation techniques, exercise or talking to others. Relaxation training such as yoga, Pilates or t'ai chi are often helpful.

BEAT THE BLUES
Low mood, as well as feeling more irritable, forgetful and finding it harder to concentrate, can all be symptoms of stress. So it's time to focus on emotional health before it starts to affect the physical state.

"Dwelling on the worst case scenario is so energy-sapping and it leads people to obsess on the negative," says Edinburgh life coach, Amanda Simpson. "Losing any optimism and assuming the worst only helps it to become a reality."

She stresses that it's crucial to look at the bigger picture. It is a national, if not international problem, and it won't last forever. "There are many people out there who can help but you must look after yourself, and pick yourself back up."

Getting up and getting active is the first thing in beating those blues. Go for a walk, hit the gym or take up a sport.

Eat properly too. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, ensure you're eating meat, oily fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. Try a multi- vitamin and mineral supplement to boost the body.

"And don't forget to talk," adds Amanda. "That simple saying 'a problem shared is a problem halved' is true. Talking about your problems and emotions is often the wake-up call you need."

FACE REALITY
According to Richard Hilliard, director of the Relaxation for Living Institute, fear of what may happen in the future is a major factor in raising stress levels.

He says: "Take a reality check and find out exactly what you are facing. It will help you feel more in control. If necessary, get help from financial advisers, counsellors or debt-support organisations.

"Make a plan. Bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be by creating actions that move you towards your goal. Feel good about yourself when you achieve even small steps and try to appreciate the positive things in your life."

BANISH HEADACHES
Pressure behind the eyes, muscle strain in the neck, dull and aching pain means one thing – tension headaches. It's the most common type of headache, affecting 50 per cent of us every month.

The key is to relax, unwind and lower the stress levels to reduce the amount of tension headaches. For the majority of sufferers, tension headaches get better on their own and no treatment is required. A simple painkiller such as aspirin or paracetamol will do the trick.

Exercises to relax tense muscles in the neck and shoulders and improve posture can be beneficial, opt for a combination treatment which contains aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine if it's a strong headache. These are available at local pharmacies.