7 Ways To Stay Balanced In Troubled Times

How is it possible to feel in control when there’s so much uncertainty and instability all around? Security is very important to all of us and it’s easy to feel totally lost when that’s taken away. With experts forecasting that it’ll take a couple of years before things get better again and that things might get worse before improving, it’s an uphill task to stay optimistic. Here are seven tips to help you stay balanced in these troubled times.

1) Beat stress with exercise - Nothing gets a person as down as feeling powerless to change a situation. If that’s the way you’ve been feeling then focus on where you do have a measure of control. A good exercise program works for many because it’s something where you call the shots. You may be tempted to pull the covers over your head and just stay in bed or get out in front of the TV, especially if you’ve been laid off. If you get proactive and start an exercise program by taking just a few baby steps towards it you will start feeling a lot better really soon. The key is to not make your exercise seem like work too. Do something that’s fun like dancing or going for a jog in your favorite part of town. You don’t have to find the best way to exercise or get the latest celebrity workout dvd. Just get moving in any way you can. Exercise is simply one of the best stress-busters out there.

2) Reframe your situation – Nothing is as bad as the stories we tell ourselves about it. Maybe you’ve lost a great deal of money in the stock market but is it a total catastrophe? You may still have your house, family and a good job. Focus on all the things that are going for you.

3) Take stock – If you’re stressed out because you have less now or are losing things that are really important to you don’t despair. Think back to a time when you had even less. You got through those times in the end right and things did get better. Re-evaluate your short and long-term goals to reflect what you truly value in life.

4) Make healthier lifestyle shifts – In some ways a recession can be good for one’s health. Some families find themselves walking more and losing weight a lot faster now that they are exercising and eating healthier. While ‘going green’ has become the byword of conscious living experts in these times, it’s a whole lot healthier for both you and the environment to do so. Growing your own vegetables, walking to work, carpooling, using alternative fuels can also cut down on your costs big time. Instead of feeling resentful about being forced to take cost-cutting measures, you can be more positive about it all by knowing that you are doing your bit for the environment too.

5) Get help - This is not a time to play the lone ranger. We all need help and in these stressed times it’s easy to go downhill fast if you try to do it all by yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support from close friends or family members. Get proper counsel or a second opinion before you make critical life-changing decisions.

6) Keep your sense of humor - Try to involve more humor in your life and utilize every opportunity to get silly and have a good laugh! Watch your favorite comedy dvds, play with your kids more and try to stay light-hearted. Things can be less trying if you are able to laugh about it. Humor is a great healer and is one of the best ways to de-stress.

7 ) Establish a routine – A routine can be very grounding especially when everything else around you is going haywire. Having a routine can help reduce your stress levels and gives you peace of mind because it’s one more thing that you can directly control. Anyone who has lost a job knows how easy it can be to slide into a massive depression where you do little and feel worse day by day. Having a plan to accomplish goals however small or big can really help to you feel better no matter what your situation looks like. Reward yourself with small mini-treats each time you accomplish something.

Tags: Health, recession, recession health, Weight Loss