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Compared to three years ago – pre-credit crunch woes – nearly two-thirds of the nation feel more prone to illness, more stressed, and less fit and healthy today according to the Britain Under Pressure report by Friends Provident.

It's unsurprising then that 30,000 staff missed work this time last year and figure set to soar today. Post-Christmas blues, freezing weather and the long wait until summer, means this Monday is statistically the worst day for absenteeism.

Credit crunch concerns mean that one in five people are sleeping less while more than a third are worrying more. This could potentially trigger anything from headaches to clinical depression, or a range of stress-related illnesses.Britons anticipate their unhealthy habits will get worse. The research also found that 51% of 18 – 30 year olds regularly getting take aways, a third frequently buying ready meals and 35% drinking more than they should.

Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident, says: "Our research shows that the UK's health is being affected by the credit crunch. As Britons feel increasingly unwell and stressed, action is needed. People need to make more effort to protect and care for themselves; otherwise National Sickie Day could be the start of a long-term national health issue."

If you are feeling more under the weather as debts and financial strains get the better of you, get some advice. You will be amazed at how much better you feel with a financial professional's view of your finances. Maybe things are not as bad as they seem, maybe there are some wholly attainable products that will see you through. Or maybe just talking things over realistically will give you a bit more determination and belief to get out of the red.

SOURCE: Friends Provident, 02/02/09

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