When she started Pilates, Sharon Sheppard didn't even know she was stressed. She just thought she had arthritis in her neck.

But after starting a regular exercise program at Triangle Pilates & Yoga Center, a funny thing happened to her "arthritis."

"Obviously it wasn't from arthritis it was from stress," Sheppard said. "I have no neck pain whatsoever in the six short months I've started Pilates."

Like so many Americans, Sheppard was a victim of too much stress, most of which she didn't even know she was carrying around.

"It kind of sneaks up on you," Sheppard said. "In October, when the stock markets started falling, so did I, mentally and physically."

Psychiatrist Jean Schnitzer said during these tough times, even those who are comfortably employed can become stressed.

"Even talking about the firings at work and the cutbacks can cause stress and worry," she said.

As the economy continues to slide, many Americans find themselves overwhelmed, financially and emotionally. Everyone is trying something to manage the stress and not break their budget, which is one of the reasons movie theaters are having a record year.

"Find some things that you enjoy to do that don't cost a lot of money," Schnitzer said.

Everything from taking a long walk to taking an art class will help relieve stress, but Schnitzer said it's also helpful to know what you can and can't control.

It's a lesson David Dutton learned quickly.

"I guess I'm the poster child for not paying attention to my 401k," he said.

As the stock market crashed, Dutton lost more than 50 percent from his 401k. Instead of worrying about that, he decided to invest in something sure to yield a return.

"I did pay attention to me and investing in my health," he said. "I've lost about 80 pounds in the last year."

Exercise can help you lose weight and Schnitzer said it is one of the three main ways you can prevent stress.

"(You can prevent stress by) making sure you have a daily exercise routine to build good hormones in your brain to prevent some of the stress, getting about eight hours of sleep or a good amount of sleep for you and also making sure you have enough socialization and laughter in your life," she said.

Those suggestions can also apply to members of your family.

Mood swings and a low tolerance when things go wrong are sure-signs of stress, Schnitzer said.

"Those would be some warning signs where life is getting a little tough," she said. "Process it, talk about it and ask them what's going on."

Back at Triangle Pilates, Sheppard continues to stretch and work her stress away.

"You listen to the news and work is not really stellar right now and you start feeling low," she said. "You come here and you just walk out rejuvenated."

Related Links

1. Triangle Pilates
2. Psychological Solutions Inc.
3. Tricks To Help Reduce Stress
4. WebMD: Stress Management