According to the American Psychological Association, most people report stress stemming from money or their job.

Slowing home sales, pain at the pump and increasing food prices are just some of the major sources of stress that Americans confront.

"The competition and the economy are all adding stress to each and every one of us," one consumer said.

"I can see the way the economy is going and the way people are thinking," another consumer said. "You know, the way they spend is way different than last year or the year before."

While spending may be down, American's stress levels are up according to the "Stress in America" survey in 2007. In that survey, 74 percent of respondents reported being stressed out about work and 73 percent reported they're stressed out about money.

In 2006, only 59 percent of respondents called work and money a stressor.

Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can be problematic, doctors said.

"When this occurs, people become more susceptible to illness," said Columbia University Medical Center Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman. "They get sicker easier and they also may experience consequences in other organ systems and the brain."

In addition to seeking medical treatment, physical activity can help.

"A very effective form of managing stress and dissipating these negative emotions is exercise," Lieberman said. "Exercise is a release from pent-up stresses and anxiety enabling their spirits to feel better about things and themselves."

Managing stress may not solve financial problems, but it can improve health.

On NBC Nightly News at 6:30 p.m., Robert Bazell continues the series "Mind Matters: Is it possible to exercise your brain back to health?"