Losing a job can lead to health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack and stroke, reports USA Today on research by on research by a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society scholar. The report showed that even when workers found new jobs, they still had an increased risk of new stress-related health problems.

No surprises there. Stress is to blame for numerous health problems, including heart attack, stroke, depression, sleeplessness, and alcohol abuse. And with joblessness on the rise, it’s likely that stress-related health problems will follow suit.

Don’t ignore the warning signs—and if stress is making you sick, try these coping strategies:

• Don’t just sit there—take a 20-minute walk, do some yard work, or go dancing. People who get regular aerobic exercise have lower stress-hormone levels, and their heart rate and blood pressure stay steadier when they're under duress. Physical activity can also boost your mood, relieve tension, and provide a therapeutic time-out.

• Find a hobby that helps you relax. This could include listening to mellow music, reading a good book, going for a stroll, repeating a prayer, or writing. Whichever approach you take, find some time each day to unwind.