At first glance, it was a quintessential Southern California day. The sun shone bright and warm. The ocean and sky embraced in shades of blue. And on most days, as I take my morning run, this vision alone fills me with peace. Yet today was different. Looming over the obvious beauty was a heaviness, like invisible clouds that cast a dark and threatening shadow on everything. Maybe it was just my perception.

Moments before I left the house, I had received a call from my friend Greg...one of those calls that breaks your heart. He had lost his job last week, with a simple explanation, that times are tough and they needed to cut back. He went on to tell me, "It's not just losing this position, it's everything. I'm in over my head on my mortgage. I'm using my credit card more and more to pay for basic things like groceries. It's all so overwhelming."

It doesn't happen often, but I truly felt at a loss for words. It hit me hard. Greg was the person that I read about in the paper each day...only now that nameless and faceless person is my friend. Perhaps it is why this otherwise beautiful day, seemed dark and gloomy, as I picked up the pace of my run.

I looked around me as I ran by each person, wondering about their challenges...wondering how the bad economy, and the looming uncertainty had touched their lives. I came to the conclusion that we are all affected in some way...some more than others. However the economic uncertainty is palpable for all of us. The stress is evident. And it is difficult to escape the media barrage of bad news. Yet there are things we can do. And as I spoke with Greg this afternoon, I told him, "No matter how bad things are, you need to take care of yourself!"

• Know Where You Stand Financially If you face your fears, and understand your current financial situation, you will be better equipped to move forward. There are solutions, but you need to take the first step by getting a handle on what you are up against.
• Ask For Help and Advice You are not the only one facing difficulties and there are people who can assist. This can range from friends to your business network. Also, your banks, credit card companies and lenders can offer advice and strategies that will help you manage your finances. And don't forget online help. There are blogs, websites and a wealth of resources available for you to search.
• Don't Neglect Yourself or the People In Your Life Sometimes the easiest thing to do when faced with a difficult time, is to withdraw...to neglect yourself and relationships with the people you care about. Yet this is one of the worst things you can do. It will only bring you down more.
• Do Something Every Day That Relaxes You Whether it is taking a long walk, or doing yoga, or watching a little mindless TV, it is important to spend some amount of time each day in a totally relaxed state of mind. A high level of stress for extended amounts of time is extremely dangerous to your health. Give yourself permission to relax.
• Breathe Deep It sounds so simple but it has an amazing effect on your body and mind. Try it now and you'll see. Inhale deeply and hold it. Then release and slowly exhale. Do this five or six times and you will feel the effect immediately.
• Listen to Music Do not underestimate the effect that music has on you. I have created playlists on my iPod with such titles as "Happy," "Stress Relief," and "Memories." We respond to music in a deeply psychological way. It is the easiest, least expensive way to alter a negative state of mind.
• Get Physical Allowing your body to release stress through physical activity is not only healthy, but it will make you feel good. If you are not into working out or going to the gym, do something that you are into. Our bodies are meant to move, and when we do so, it has an effect on our mind. So be creative but find some way to get moving. If you try it a couple of times, you will want to do it more.
• Hug Kiss Touch Love There is nothing in the world that we as humans crave more than physical touch. It is built into our wiring. When we face stressful times, the simplest hug or the softest kiss can have a positive, lasting effect. If you are with someone in a relationship, initiate physical contact as often as possible. If you are not, there are ways to gain the benefit of touch. Greet friends with a hug, treat yourself to a massage, and find other ways to benifit from the touch of another. We have thousands of nerve endings all over our skin for a reason. Don't underestimate the benefits of touching and being touched.
• Be Hopeful No matter how despondent you may feel at any given moment, remain hopeful. My grandfather used to tell me war stories. He'd say, "When I thought I had hit the bottom, I'd just tell myself, there is no where to go but up." We are resiliant people by nature. Whatever you are going through will improve. The economy will improve. Your quality of life will improve. It may not happen overnight, but you have to live life with a hopeful spirit, or you will waste it.

Take a moment out from wading through that pile of bills, or reading all the bad news, and watch this video. You will feel better. And a better you makes for a better world!