Friday, January 30, 2009

Thrive Now -- Don't Just Survive!

If you're like most people these days, you're a at least a little bit concerned about where the world economy is headed. So many of us have seen our savings wiped out, some have lost jobs or are about to, and a lot of people's businesses is slowing (though not everyone's!)

Some people, especially those who watch the news a lot, are dealing with panic attacks. And most of us have never seen a crisis quite like this one before.

So, whether you're feeling pinched or amputated, there are some actions you can take TO CLEAR YOUR MIND, and be more effective while we weather this storm.

Crisis Action List:

1. Exercise more!!! Every fear you feel has a negative effect on your body. You must take counter actions to maintain your normal level of health. Exercise is pretty much free and helps you feel better. You don't have to double what you usually do, but add a bit of time to each work-out, or add one more work-out a week. BTW, a long, brisk walk certainly counts as a work-out.

2. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier, once or twice a week. The stress is making it hard for some people to sleep, but establishing a predictable routine can help. Getting enough rest is vital for your body to heal itself.

3. Turn off the TV. The last thing you need is to have your mind spinning out of control with fear. Remember, more fear = higher ratings = more advertising revenue for the media.

4. Make more healthy substitutions in your diet. Bananas are less than a dollar a pound. Cheaper cuts of meat make nice stews, and you don't want to spend money on junk food now. Substitute popcorn (not the microwave kind) for chips.

In general, focusing on your health makes you stronger to deal with the current level of uncertainty. Happy week-end!