How to cope with economic turmoil

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- A U.S. psychologist says a wave of economic turmoil is a good time to take control of emotions and better regulate the mind-body stress response.

Josh Clap of the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers four "action points" to deal with stress and anxiety brought on by the Wall Street and credit crisis.

The financial crises are fueling chronic stress and limiting some people's ability to think clearly, control emotions and regulate bodily functions in a healthy manner, Clap said, and stress and anxiety trigger productive worry and unproductive worry.

"Productive worry is thinking on situations you can control, and you should use productive worry to take actions that reduce stress and relieve anxiety," he said in a statement. "Unproductive worry is thinking about things you cannot control."

To help deal with stress, Clapp suggests:

-- Take action. Make a family budget, meet with an accountant, trade in a vehicle for a more fuel-efficient model, carpool. Do things to help reduce your stress.

-- Stay informed, but take a news break. Most people don't need to track the markets minute by minute.

-- Don't lose focus on daily activities: family, friends, social occasions and recreation.

-- Stress takes a physical toll. Learn meditation and do muscle relaxation.