A recent survey shows that stress due to money and the economy is taking a significant emotional and physical toll on Americans. If unmanaged, the intensified stress can poison a once healthy relationship. HeartMath® has explored human emotions extensively for the past 17 years, using heart rate variability, or heart rhythm patterns, to measure inner emotional states and stress levels.

Stemming from this research are innovative techniques and technologies that utilize the heart’s powerful rhythms to intercept and manage stressful emotions. Couples around the world are using this scientifically validated heart-focused approach to deal more effectively with today’s heightened stress, fear and anxiety and to revitalize their heart connection.

“Debt is the worst poverty.” – Thomas Fuller

It was only a few years ago when I was overloaded with debt – so much so that I couldn’t make all my payments and I had numerous debts sent to several collection agencies. I had creditors calling me for late payments, and I was juggling them, constantly stressed about how I was going to make my car payment and make rent. It’s hard to imagine those days now – the unbearable burden of that debt – because as of this year, I am debt free!

It’s an amazingly liberating feeling to be free of debt. Your money is your own, and you have breathing room in your budget for saving, investing, and buying what you need.

On Monday, Ken and Karen were given until Friday to decide whether or not they wanted to transfer to a new department at work. Each morning, the dark circles under Ken’s eyes were more prominent. By Friday morning, he was so worried and weary that his voice trembled slightly when he asked for an extension of the deadline, “I’m exhausted. There are so many things to think about.  I can’t figure out which decision to make.”

Karen’s work situation was virtually identical to Ken’s. Their personal responsibilities and support networks were so similar that they had instantly bonded as coworkers.  Even though Karen had been given the same pressing deadline to make a decision, she showed no evidence of stress.  Apparently, her decision-making was quick and easy.  On Wednesday morning, she informed the supervisor with a confident voice and a thumbs-up sign, “The best choice is clear to me. I’m ready to make the transfer.”

It started innocently enough.  I’d been working longer hours, spending more time at the computer, eating the wrong stuff on the run and not taking the time to exercise.  When I called my best friend and told him I was certain someone was shrinking my underpants in the middle of the night, I finally faced the fact that I had to do something about it.  I had gained weight and it was no longer something I could ignore.

Maybe some of you can relate to this.