Issue Date: November 16, 2008
Is the economy stressing you out?
The most effective way to beat stress is to be active.
|
We may not be able to solve our nation's current economic woes, but we can minimize the stress it inflicts on our bodies. When we are stressed by circumstances beyond our control, we can improve the situation by taking control over those things we can change. This requires some work -- both psychological and physical -- but you'll find the payoff well worth the effort.
You can't control the economy or stop a fall in the value of your retirement account, but you can improve your bottom line in other ways.
Reassess all discretionary spending. Are you buying things you don't need? See how many days you can go without using a credit card. See how much money you can save by eating at home. See how long you can go without buying something at full price. Keep a tally of your savings; it can be emotionally liberating.
And don't forget the most effective stress management program: a physically active lifestyle. Keep your routine simple and consistent. Find the time of day that most easily lets you carve out a little downtime. Your routine doesn't have to be extensive -- a brisk 30-minute walk will do -- but it must be regular to combat stress.
These simple strategies, incorporated into your life, can help you beat the economy-induced blues.
Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., writes HealthSmart every week.
|
