Facing economic woes, spiraling plane ticket costs and gas prices nearly climbing to $4 a gallon, many Americans are opting to reduce their road travel this summer by staying close to home. While this may ease the strain on your checking account, it may create tension elsewhere. With blazing temperatures and kids home from school, the trade off may be creating a lot of unsuspected stress to you and your family. What are the most effective ways to deal with this "summer stress?" Here are 6 tips to reduce your stress and make the long, hot summer just a bit more bearable.

Find fun alternatives to pricey vacations: There are plenty of short trips, either locally or right out of town, that you and your family can make. Try local indoor attractions, such as the Arizona Science Center or Phoenix Art Museum, or take up a summer class to learn something that has been on your "To Do" list for some time. Start writing in a journal, or take up a volunteer position somewhere for a cause close to your heart.

Exercise regularly: Exercise is the magic bullet, and has a number of health-promoting benefits, including lower stress, depression and anxiety. Many clubs offer stress reduction classes included in a membership, such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation classes, all of which are becoming more popular and have significant benefits in lowering stress, anger and mental confusion.

Communicate: Tensions will be high this summer, especially if there are a lot of family members at home for long periods of time, such as with kids on summer break. So, create a schedule designed to prevent boredom among those prone to it in your household. Talk about angry or stressful feelings, especially if someone in your household is driving you crazy or not fulfilling their chores or contributing to your household's well-being. Learn to process through the problem, and your stress will wash out of you. It doesn't pay to hold it in; you're just harming yourself.

Take time for yourself: indulge in a hobby, such as reading, jogging in the morning (or indoors). Stress comes as a result of taking care of others more than we take care of ourselves. Learning to take care of ourselves, whether we are workaholics for an employer or for our family, is critical to keep stress at bay. Learn to indulge in something that is good for you and allows you to energize, either alone or with someone else.

Minimize caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and sugar consumption: these substances will increase a body's tendency to create stress, and will affect mental well being. Try to cut down on consumption of these altogether to lower your physical stress. Use B-complex vitamins to reduce stress, eat regularly and stay well hydrated this hot summer.

Get some sleep: You body will have a much easier time dealing with stress, anxiety, depression when you can have the right sleep behind you. The world always looks a lot different in the morning after a good, solid night of sleep. Many people function well on 7-8 hours of restful sleep, and if you are getting much less, consult your physician and see how to promote better sleep hygiene for yourself.

In small amounts, stress can be a good thing. But, too much stress can leave drag and wear on your mind, body and spirit, creating less than perfect behaviors, mental abilities to deal with situations and relationships-in-conflict. By using these tips to deal with a summer at or near home this summer, you'll be off to a great start for summer 2008.