Stress about money and debt and it will affect your health. A 2009 AP/AOL survey, Debt Stress in the United States  found that those with high stress levels were likely to experience health problems, including headaches, back pain, muscle tension, depression, anxiety, ulcers, and heart problems. High levels of debt stress  can affect more than your  credit score. The survey also found that highly debt-stressed people were:

• More than 13 times as likely than low- to no-stress people to lose sleep at night

• More than seven times as likely to have severe anxiety

• Almost seven times as likely to take stress out on others

• Nearly six times as likely to experience severe depression

• Four times as likely to have ulcers or other digestive problems

• Twice as likely to have heart problems and migraines

So what do you do if you are surrounded by what seems like a mountain of bills and maybe little or no money coming in?

• Get a plan

Lack of control is the # 1 stress causing ingredient. If money stress is related to debt make a plan on how you are going to repay it. Could you take on a second job for a while to help reduce your debt quicker. Where can you cut back? Maybe even have a garage sale to get rid of all that stuff you have bought over the years that is causing you  stress, then use  the money to pay down one of your bills. As you begin to get a handle on your debt you will begin to feel in control of your life.

Maybe  your money stress is caused by losing your job. Is there something you could do part time until the next perfect job comes along? If you at least have some money coming in it will help to quell those money worries.

Write out a plan to determine how you are going to find a job. Have action steps that you take each  day. Connect with people on social networking sites like Linked In. Send out a certain # of resume's each day. Fit exercise into your schedule. This will keep you energized and on top of your game. Plus you never know who you might meet in the gym who knows somebody? Contact old friends and people you have known from your past jobs that could  recommend you. Find a support group in your area for people who are looking for work. Many churches will offer this type of service.

• Indentify how you cope with stress

When stressed do you find that you are eating more? Perhaps you turn to alcohol, smoking, websurfing or spending  hours watching re-runs. Are you chewing your nails or criticizing yourself for not having a job? Take a long hard look at yourself. Now what can you do to change how you deal with stress?

• Surround yourself with positive people.

You know  those people who always make you laugh and feel good.  They bring your energy up and where you are around them you begin to feel as if you could do anything. These are  the people you want to surround yourself with. Not enough of those in your life? Supplement by listening to motivational speakers. Some of my favorites are Jack Canfield , Tony Robbins and Dr. Wayne Dyer but don't limit yourself to these. Look online, search You Tube and feed your mind a steady diet of positive and uplifting words.

There will always be nay-sayers. These are the ones who tell you things like " It's not your fault , it's the economy. You will never get a job in  this economy" Hang around these people and you will find they are right. But if you choose instead to hang around positive uplifting people who tell you that they just know something is coming your way. You will  find that they are  right. It is your choice.

As we listen to and believe what we hear our mind begins to look for ways to make that happen. If you listen to and tell yourself often enough that something good is just around the corner you will  begin to peak behing evey door until you  find what you are looking for.

• Eat Healthy

It is really easy to grab for that bag of chips or cookies when you are stressed but that is the last thing your body needs right now. Your body is depleted of B vitamins when you are stressed so adding foods like eggs and spinach to your diet will help. You may want to consider a B vitamin supplement also. Eating fresh vegetables and lean meats and fish will also help you to stay sharp and on top of your game which will be an added bonus when you have a job interview. :-)

• Find healthy ways to decompress

My husband and I have started taking walks in  the evening instead of sitting in front of the TV. It is really helpful when I am feeling stressed or worrying about something. The physical exercise is good for my body and I find that I am also able to let go of what is bothering me. Jog, swin, go to  the gym just find some way to get moving.

Help someone else. Studies have shown when we perform an act of kindness for someone else it not only makes that person feel great but it also helps us to  feel better. Do you  have an elderly neighbor  that could use some help?

Are you breathing? Sounds silly I know but often when we ae stressed we hold our breath. We don't realize we are doing it but we do. Long deep breaths will bring your body and your mind back into balance. This in turn will help you make the right decisions to get your life back on track.