Managing Stress During Economic Recession
To survive an economic recession it just takes a bit of planning, discipline, and foresight. The fact of the matter is that an economic recession is not a new phenomenon. Recessions are cyclical. They follow the laws of gravity-what goes up must come down. Periods of economic prosperity are invariably followed by periods of recession. Ask your parents or grandparents, and they'll tell you all about the last recession. In fact, the last time a recession had such far reaching consequences was during the great depression of 1929. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
This too shall pass
Don't mull over how the present recession has or will affect you. Thinking about factors that you cannot necessarily control only leads to added stress; and we have enough of that already. Instead leverage yourself so that you are in a position to survive this depression and ready to shine the moment it ends. An economic recession is always followed by an economic boom, or period of prosperity. If you can slug it out now, you won't regret it later.
Stay Fit
With your tight budget, membership at the gym may not be a priority and it doesn't need to be. Exercise and physical fitness predates any gym and you don't need to invest much towards staying fit.
- A walk or run in the park is not only a good way to exercise, it will also calm your mind as you get in touch with nature.
- A barbell and a pair of dumbbells does not cost much, and this one time purchase can ensure a workout in your own garage or backyard.
Exercise is so important in not only because it keeps you fit, but also because it releases endorphins. Thus regular exercise can also help you to overcome stress and depression. Keeping your body healthy also helps to ensure that you do not have to spend more money on bloated medical bills that you can ill afford.
Deal with Depression
Don't let your worries get the better of you. While it is natural to worry under such circumstances, it does nothing to help and leads to a vicious cycle of stress, anxiety and depression. This off course only makes it harder to deal with the financial crisis and will leave you crippled. Seize control of your emotions, with simple health care practices like yoga, aromatherapy or simple meditation. They are great methods to beat stress and stay healthy.
- Yoga is one of the most effective methods to combat depression and other anxiety or stress related problems. It clears your mind, helps you relax and also gives you a better perspective of your life, enabling you to focus on the necessary rather than on pointless worries.
- Meditation whether as a part of yoga or as a discipline in itself can be extremely beneficial and help you calm down and get a hold of yourself.
- Aromatherapy is another great way to combat depression and anxiety, with aromatic herbs having been used for centuries to induce relaxation and treat depression.
Do not suffer in silence
Depression is not an abnormality. What you are experiencing is not something out of the ordinary and there is no reason why you should be embarrassed or ashamed of these conflicting feelings. If you are not comfortable talking to friends and family or if they are not supportive or helpful enough there are other options.
- Counselors can be of great help and almost all of us need to visit one at some point of time or the other.
- In severe cases of depression make sure you consult a psychiatrist or counselor immediately. The scope of psychiatrists and counselors is not restricted to asylums and mental institutions. Visiting one should be purely a matter of health, as mental health is just as important as physical.
Quality Time
With jobs on the wane, people now have more time than before. How about spending some of it to reconnect with your family or that special person in your life? Now is the chance. Once the recession lifts, you'll be caught up in the rat race with little time for a personal life.
- Don't idle away your free time. Reconnect with your family and friends and spend time with those closest to you. You will rediscover the joys of being alive.
- Get involved in voluntary activities or social organizations to keep yourself busy and to help others. This will enrich your life and give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Always remember that there are others worse of than you, and maybe you can make a difference to them.
Follow your dreams
Losing your job is a bad thing, but it also gives you a chance to try new things. Did you ever want to play the saxophone instead of trading shares on Wall Street? Well, now's your chance. Use this opportunity to learn a new skill, catch up on a neglected hobby, or to simply follow your dreams. It is amazing how well people can do when their backs are to the wall and they have nothing to lose.