RICHMOND, Va., June 29 (UPI) -- A U.S. psychology professor advises those stressed by the economy that mental and physical fitness must come before financial fitness.

Micah McCreary of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond says it may be hard not to stay up at night with worry about how to pay bills in a declining economy, but taking positive action is a better way to survive negative times.

"Prevention is critical. The key is to start taking care of yourself -- now -- before you lose a job," McCreary says in a statement. "Focus on what you find pleasure in and find less expensive ways to do those activities."
McCreary says there are ways to meet mental and physical needs inexpensively.

"Walking, hiking, jogging or running are great stress relievers and can be done for free," McCreary says. "And everyone can do sit-ups and push-ups at home."

Other inexpensive activities include checking out books at the library and cooking meals together with others, instead of dining out.

Slim wallets should not prevent creative parents from holding a weekly family fun night or spending a special day with their child.

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