It’s no secret… the economy isn’t exactly booming. And while I think we may have stabalized a bit, I am hearing many say their stress and anxiety levels are still on the rise!
I heard myself say on more than one occasion since the economy start floundering that I was secretly glad so many people were having to change their lifestyles. The cat’s out of the bag now! But here’s why I feel more positive when others are feeling the stress: I see golden opportunities!
Whether you’re one who has lost your job or not, like many others you may have decided to tweak some things in your personal life just a bit. And while I don’t advocate taking a “just in case” stance, I do think there are steps we can take that reap HUGE rewards in our personal lives during ANY economic climate. Here are a few ideas:
- Spend more time with family. Many claim to be in disparate need of life balance, eager to spend more time at home with family, but most don’t walk that talk. When forced to act because of a lay off or downsize, some don’t know quite what to do with themselves. I can’t think of one negative thing associated with some good, quality time with the family. Can you?
- Find pleasure in small things. If you’ve decided to downsize, keeping a “wealth plan” (what others may call a “budget”) means getting creative so you won’t feel deprived. Joy in small things can bring a renewed sense of spirit and energy! Take your dog for an extra long walk. Play games with your spouse and kids. Air up the tires and go for a spin on your bike. Watch a family movie that everyone enjoys. Finding pleasure in small things can be very inexpensive, while providing incredible mental health rewards!
- Eating in and being healthier. When I was growing up, eating out was considered a real treat! It was only on special occasions like a birthday, graduation, or some other celebration that we saw the inside of a restaurant. Today, my family eats out way more than I care to put in black and white! In fact, most families I know eat out more than they should, which means we aren’t as healthy as we could be. Eating in not only brings us closer to family (”a family that eats together, stays together”), but it helps our “bottom” line as well!
- Picking up a new hobby. I mentioned that I crochet to a friend the other day, and was was met with a chuckle. If you’re new to my blog, that fact may lead you to believe I’m eligible for a senior discount. Nope! I’m just someone who has found an extra hobby I enjoy! Think of a new hobby you’d like to try like painting, knitting, bocce ball, horseshoes, gardening, web design, writing, or any number of things. The sky’s the limit!
- Working on personal development. What better time to work on your state of mind than now? Mental health development is a lot like physical development: when you begin a new exercise program, you aren’t going to notice much change. But over time, you will begin to see the fruits of your labor. You feel stronger, more self-confident, and more powerful! So, while you’ve got more time on your hands, and whether you’re stressed and anxious or not, use this time to start a new journal, read a new self-help book, begin a new coaching program, or start your own support group.
There are many ways to stay connected, feel supported, and gain insight during good and bad economic times. And if this is a time that propels you to do things differently in your life, bravo!
(Warning, shamless plug coming up!) There are several ways I’m eager to help my clients during these times. And, if you’ve thought about hiring a personal coach or counselor, but think you may not have the funds for it, think again.
There is no time like the present to work on bettering yourself. Here are a few things to consider:
- Join an upcoming support group to help you learn the basics of personal development and change. Groups start at only $25. (A steal!)
- Consider getting the support of a coach or counselor without ever stepping foot in an office. Purchasing a “Change Retainer” package means you have a counselor at your email disposal throughout the month for only $45. (A steal!)
- Use your I Choose Change journal (free!), and weekly coffee with a good friend to help you make your own changes. Just a little nudge from a counselor or coach to steer you in the right direction may be all you need.
Finding the positives in a negative economy isn’t incredibly easy, but it does test your willpower. Make a list of ways you’d like to set your new course, then get started!
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July 20th, 2009 at 8:43 am
There’s definitely no time like the present to be positive and to make positive changes! I love this post and all of the great suggestions you’ve discussed here. Positively awesome!
Check out Positively Present’s last blog post…happiness doesn’t just happen