Strategies: A handy guide for turning down the stress

— -- Feeling gloomy all the time? Fearful, pessimistic? When you look at your cash flow, do you want to crawl into bed and pull the covers over your head? That's no way to survive and thrive in these times. It's not good for your business, your health, your relationships.

Challenging times call for energy, persistence, optimism. But how do you achieve that when every day it seems like there's more bad news? You take action — that's what. And you take care of yourself.

So here's Rhonda's handy-dandy guide to maintaining good health and some peace of mind in these difficult times:

• Put yourself on a news "diet." Watching story after story of economic woes isn't going to help. You do need to be informed and stay on top of developments that could benefit you, so don't go cold turkey on news. But set a limit (15 minutes?) on the financial news you watch or read. Then turn to more light-hearted stuff. (Will Jennifer Aniston marry John Mayer? What's happening with March Madness?) You could use some diversion.

• Take control. Studies show that if you feel you have at least a bit of control over what happens to you, you're more likely to be optimistic. Since so much in this economy is driven by factors we have no influence over, look for things you can do that give you a sense of doing something. Even small steps can reduce your sense of helplessness.

• Get a good night's sleep. This is perhaps the most basic thing to do. You need a good night's sleep to keep perspective on the things you have to face, to have the energy to keep going. Lack of sleep increases your anxiety level. Having trouble sleeping? If necessary, ask your doctor or consider an over-the-counter sleep aid.

• Cut down on caffeine and watch your alcohol intake. A glass of wine or cold beer at the end of a hard day can take the edge off, but, remember alcohol is actually a depressant, so don't go overboard. Both too much alcohol and too much caffeine makes sleeping more difficult.