With stress levels rising over the economy, it is important to realize the connection between emotional stress and physical danger, especially for women. We talk about the many health issues caused by stress but don't hear how much easier it is for an attacker when he or she victimizes a stressed out person. As women, we generally take  on other people's stress as well as well as our own; either concern for their situation or trying to help them remedy it.

5 Facts & Tips to Help Reduce Stress and Vulnerability to Physical Danger:

Fact #1: Fear is the most dangerous mindset of all and when you are stressed; you look scared and weak, which shows in your body language (attacker language). Women are already seen as "weaker" so it's most important for us to consciously look confident and strong.

Tip: Always convey confidence in your body language, regardless of how you "feel." That is head held high, shoulders back, arms swinging when you walk, looking side to side (seeing behind you with peripheral vision), stay OFF cell phone (distraction) and be ready and willing to run if necessary.

Fact #2: Violent crimes, domestic violence and gun sales increase drastically during economic downturns.

Tip: Although domestic violence goes both ways, a woman is more inclined to be the victim. Realize most people are stressed just like you might be. Practice patience for two reasons: 1) people are more volatile right now and 2) it will calm you and others down. People will be calmer around someone who is relaxed.

Fact #3: There is a beginning, middle and end to everything and there are always lessons in the mix.

Tip: Think about where you were "before" the economic stress. What was your life like? Note how your life has changed and what lessons you can learn from it. Maybe "cutting back" has been an eye opener for you about certain things. For example: you may be healthier taking your lunch to work and avoiding expensive coffee every day.

Fact 4: Stress can be greatly reduced or overcome with gratitude.

Tip: As women, we are hyper tuned in to our intuition and emotions. Take a deep breath while visualizing all you are grateful for: family, home, vehicle, working arms and legs, pets, warm bed...everything. This will always put you in a better mood and reduce stress and other negativity. No matter what you have and don't have, you are better off than many.

Fact #5: Simple things can cut stress in half for you and those around you resulting in improved self-esteem and body language.

Tip: Smile even when you don't feel like it. Your body chemistry changes when you smile and makes you feel better automatically. This will ease the stress of others around you as well.

Bonus Tip: Compliment people. Genuine, honest compliments are few and far between. Your compliment spoken to a complete stranger may make that person's day and could be the only one they've gotten in months! Something as simple as, "Cute earrings," or "That haircut looks great on you," or "Nice watch," can make someone's day and makes you feel good in the process.

Women impact the world every day as wives, friends, girlfriends, coworkers, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, etc. so just think of how learning simple ways to reduce our own emotional stress helps those around us while decreasing vulnerability to physical danger by looking stronger and more confident.

Women ROCK!