5 Tips on How to Cut Down on Stress During the Recession
Stop Counting Pennies and Start Counting your Blessings
As if we all didn’t have enough to stress about in life, now our minds and our wallets have to deal with the recession and the economic problems that have come about. It is no surprise that recent studies and surveys have shown that thousands of people throughout North America are reporting that their stress levels are much higher than they were last year. The stress they are feeling has led to interrupted sleep, an increase in irritability, and a whole lot more fatigue than usual. While stress has been associated with good cholesterol and a longer life in some instances, this recession induced stress is making it extremely hard to cope with everyday life for many people.
Whether you have lost your job, worry about your retirement funds or lack thereof or simply can’t make your monthly mortgage payments, stress can be a killer. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Here are 5 tips on how you can cut down on stress and learn to cope with the emotional roller coaster that you may be experiencing.
1-Consider Volunteer Work
While this may sound a little off the wall at the moment, it can actually prove to be an excellent strategy. While you may think that there isn’t enough time in the day, or that you would be better of looking for a new job, volunteering can open doors and ease your mind. Whether you decide to serve food at a soup kitchen, work with underprivileged children, or help set up an event at your community center, the volunteer work can help take your mind off of your current problems and make you feel better about yourself. One of the main problems with stress is that too much of it can shut down your emotions and in a way, close off your heart. Volunteering can make you feel good and help you keep in touch with your emotions. Plus, if you are looking for a new job ,volunteering is a great way to make new connections and network yourself towards a new career.
2-Be Thankful for what you Have
Look around you and realize that things may not be as bad as your mind is making it seem. Your mother may have lectured you about this as a child, but it is something we often forget. Instead of worrying about monthly payments or stressing about the fact that you cannot afford a new car, appreciate what you already have. Whether it is a loving family, a cozy apartment, or even just a part-time job, absorb the gratitude. There are millions of people far worse off in the world. Not that you should take solace in their misfortunes but remember not to forget how fortunate you are. Instead of stressing about your mortgage payments, appreciate the roof over your head. Instead of being bummed out that you missed that last job promotion, be thankful you have a job. No matter how bad things may look at times, your mind has a tendency to make things seem worse.
3-De-Stress with Traditional Avenues
Traditional methods for cutting down on stress still apply. For years we have been told that eating right, exercising, and even breathing techniques can help us out in stressful times. The key here is to realize that not everything will work for everybody. If you really want to calm down and get the stress out of your life you have to figure out what works for you. Whether it is meditation, jogging, yoga, or other muscle relaxation techniques, consider giving everything a try and seeing what works for you. It may seem boring, dull, or even pointless at first, but finding what works for you could benefit you ten fold in the long run.
4-Cut Down on the Drama and Stop Complaining
It is a normal reaction for people to sit around, complain, and feel bad for themselves when times are hard. However while it may feel good at the time to get it off your chest, it just ups the drama and stress over time. Instead of dwelling on the negative and past decisions, switch it up. If you find yourself stuck in a negative conversation or griping, change the topic and try to move onto something else. Surround conversations around future positive changes and ways to improve your life, not around complaining about the past.
5-Comparison Shopping is Great, Comparison Thinking is Not.
When people feel stressed or are upset about what is going on in their lives they often compare the present to the past. This is the attitude that can leave you feeling stuck with no way out. Instead of comparing how much money you used to make to how much money you make now, think ahead to the future. If your bank account is dwindling, don’t compare your balance with your balance for years past. Instead shift your focus on how to improve things. Consider ways to keep saving money and earning more rather than feeling sorry about how much you have lost.
Stress is a natural part of life but it doesn’t have to weigh you down. Yes times are tough right now and things may not be looking up, but dwelling on it does nothing. A positive attitude and positive thoughts can go a long way towards getting you back on track. Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t feel sorry for yourself, and don’t surround yourself with negative people or negative situations.
Life isn’t as tough as your mind makes it seem sometimes. Don’t let stress stand in the way of your goals or aspirations. Keep your head up and your hopes high and things are sure to turn around.
Tags: financial stress, Meditation, money stress, recession, stress, Yoga