In this economy, there are some unique stresses as many of you might have been laid off or taken reduced salaries. Despite this, it is critical to do the following to remain balanced:
- Manage your stress
Stress causes damaging effects physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally and spiritually so it’s highly critical to control and minimize it. Realize that what determines if stress is unhealthy for you is a combination of how much stress you have in your life at a given time and how you react to it. Although it is not possible to live without any stress, you can learn ways to tame the stress of major events, daily hassles, and chronic life issues by managing your reactions to stress and minimizing the damaging impact. Stress-reduction is an effort requiring self-awareness, hope, flexibility, and assertiveness along with a personal strategy for handling stressful situations by avoiding, altering, accepting or adapting to the them.
- Build a strong support network
Regardless of whether you are employed, unemployed or under-employed (meaning you’re currently in the wrong job or career) having others you can turn to is an important aspect of your well-being. Your support network includes those such as friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, former co-workers, professional associations, and experts. Tap in to these resources to get help and to contribute to others needing help. Having a number of trusted people and other resources available just in case you need them in an unforeseen emergency (or even on a daily basis) will not only give you incredible peace of mind but may be able to help you land the next job, get a loan, handle some of the home repairs at affordable rates, or even just be there to listen.
- Maintain your health
Even if money is tight any you may no longer be able to invest in a gym membership or exercise classes, continue to exercise and eat right. Get regular exercise by walking, running, following a DVD/video, riding a bike, roller skating, or hiking. The key is to get moving by increasing your endorphins and elevating your mood. As a result, you’ll not only be taking preventative steps to maintain or achieve good health, but increasing your physical and mental outlook while you keep your body healthier and decrease health-care costs. Avoid eating excess sugary and fatty foods by opting for healthier foods and snacks that contain antioxidants, Omega 3 or other essential vitamins and minerals.
Realize that balancing your life is a challenge for many even in the best of times. With the current economic downturn, life may begin to feel more overwhelming or less in control so it becomes even more important to maintain a sense of balance. Avoid focusing on the negatives of the past or the uncertainty of the future, and instead focus on today and what’s most important to you! Have a (written) plan you can execute that will help you work toward the future you want to create. The power in the written word is that when you write it or share it out loud with others, there’s an increased potential that you’ll achieve it.
Live your life with positive energy, thoughtful planning, and conscious management of your self and your time. What have you got to lose?
Guest Article Submitted by: Natalie Gahrmann -The Priority Pro
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