This has been a terrible time for Americans. The stock market has tanked, retirement savings have dropped dramatically, more unemployment is looming, and no one knows what the future will bring. I cannot remember a time when fear has been so palpable. With this much instability, your nest egg is not the only thing in jeopardy — your health may be compromised as well.

The economic downturn has brought an enormous amount of stress for the average American. Increased levels of stress can alter hormonal functions, which in turn leads to alteration in physiologic function that can have serious implications for your health. Acute stress leads to the rapid release of adrenalin and nor-adrenaline, blood pressure rise, heart rate increase and glucose flow into the blood, providing the energy necessary to deal with the stress. This is the "fight or flight response" that can be beneficial, protecting us from danger or accomplishing a seemingly impossible feat. But in these uncertain times, acute stress is not the problem. It is the continued stress of worry, fear and concern that is particularly dangerous.

The chronic stress that many Americans are feeling leads to an array of health problems, including high blood pressure, lack of sleep and anxiety. With chronic stress, the increased release of hormones never truly dissipates, as with the fight or flight mechanisms. This leads to subtle increases in heart rate and a rise in blood pressure and cholesterol deposition in arteries, thus contributing to coronary artery disease and strokes. Chronic stress suppresses immune function, which in turn increases the risk of infection. This compromised immune system may also lead to an increased risk of cancer, where the body has an impaired ability to kill premalignant cells. Chronic stress can cause depression, personality changes and fluctuations in weight, all of which can have long-term effects on your risk of disease.

When the times are uncertain and there is no end in sight, learning to deal with stress can save your life. There is no quick fix solution to your stressors, so it is imperative that you take steps to manage your stress levels.

Here are 10 tips that you may find helpful.

1. Stop. Breathe. Learning to unwind, to seek true and inner peace will save your life. Whenever stressed or revved up, stop and breathe. Notice your breath. Find peace in this present moment. Doing so will bring you back, calm you down and provide a little extra room to survey the situation. You may consider yoga, tai chi, any exercise or learn relaxation techniques.

2. Do things you enjoy. Take time to do things that you enjoy. Whether it is play golf, paint, or garden, take some time for you to be happy.

3. Put yourself first. Be honest with yourself — and others — about what you need. Most importantly, learn to say no and not take on too much.

4. Pay attention to your body and seek health. Your health is precious and nothing is more important than taking care of yourself. A healthy body is going to be much more prepared to handle stress.

5. Don't take yourself too seriously and learn to laugh. Anyone who has the capacity to laugh at himself and see humor in any situation is bound to be a more peaceful and relaxed person.

6. Be kind — to yourself and others. Developing healthy interpersonal relationships is a huge component of living a stress-free life.

7. Maintain boundaries between work and home. Nothing is worse than coming home after a stressful day and letting work issues affect your home life.

8. Recognize what stresses you out. We all have certain triggers that can send us off. Find out what your trigger is and try to address it.

9. Embrace your faith. Prayer, meditation, belief in a higher power and spirituality are powerful factors in preventing and reducing stress.

10. Seek help. A psychotherapist saved my life by teaching me how to cope with stress. And if professional help is impossible, confide in a friend or spiritual leader; their support can be truly invaluable.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.drdavidhealth.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.