How to Stay “Up” in a Downed Economy

These days, it’s difficult to leave your house, turn on the TV or even check your email without hearing about the economic woes of our country. And while some economic forecasters claim that things are beginning to turn up, our employment rate was still hovering close to 10% in August according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s easy, with all of the stresses being felt on the home front from the financial crisis, to feel overwhelmed lately.  So, amongst all of this muck and drear, how can you keep a positive spin on life and find the silver lining on every cloud?

4 Tips for Staying Up in a Downed Economy

Focus on Your Health! Because your physical well-being so greatly affects your mental well being, this is the best time ever to start that morning exercise routine you’ve been putting off or adopt that low-fat diet you’ve been hearing so much about. According to the May Clinic, exercise improves your mood by releasing chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier and more relaxed then before your workout. They even say that regular physical activity can help combat chronic diseases (that’s what I call a  health insurance plan!). An exercise routine, and a healthy diet, will also help you manage your weight and give you a general sense of well being. So, find something you enjoy (may it be running, kickboxing, or yoga in the backyard) and get started.

Find Time to Dwell.It’s easy to let stress consume our thoughts.  For some reason, it’s never the great things that happen in our lives that we dwell on! So, find a few minutes everyday to think about your financial burdens and other stressors and then- tune out. And, use the time wisely. Instead of focusing on the problem (We don’t have enough money to pay bills this month!) think about the possible solutions and how to avoid these issues in the future (Next month I’m going to set aside extra money by eating out less). Thinking about the future helps you overcome the here and now. Then, let it go and move on with your day.

Invest in Relationships. Being a good  friend, family member, or coworker is a great feeling. Instead of focusing on yourself, invest some additional time into your loved ones. Making someone else smile or laugh is a sure way to feel good about yourself.  Find something nice to do for your spouse or make some extra time for a friend every week. Have a few unhealthy relationships in your life? Now is the time to weed them out!  Surround yourself with supportive, loving relationships and you will definitely reap the benefits.

Find ways to Spoil Yourself. What do you do for yourself on a regular basis? Even when your bank account is suffering you can find things to do to pamper yourself. Something as simple as a planning a fishing trip or giving yourself an at-home makeover can be all you need to do to feel rejuvinated.  A great idea I recently read suggested creating a ME jar. A ME jar is an ordinary jar or can where you collect extra change that you either find in the couch, collect from soda bottle recycling or that falls out of your laundry. Once you’ve saved enough for a little treat, use it.