We're more than a year into this recession now, and although there have been positive signs that a recovery is not far off, for many, day-to-day life remains a struggle. I know this firsthand: it's been more than a year since my husband finished his last work contract. :-(The economic instability can be frustrating and at times, yes even more than a little scary. But we DO have choices, even when it feels as though we have been pushed up against a wall. This article, published by Psychology Today, addresses specific ways to keep happy during a recession. Here are some highlights of the authors' suggestions:
- Happy people place more emphasis on having a meaning and purpose in life, rather than acquiring things. Therefore, pursuing meaningful life goals is more important now than ever. Which is why I have made my writing work a priority this year.
- Learn to live in the present moment. So true. Whenever I find myself becoming anxious about something that has yet to happen, I ask myself, "Does our family have everything we need today?" Roof over our heads, check. Food in the pantry, check. Lights, heat, nice clothes to wear, check. And then I give thanks for being more fortunate than many others on this great planet.
- Nurture meaningful relationships. And break ties with people who are only negative, complainers, and not supportive. I have trimmed my relationship fat, so to speak, in the past year, so that I have more time to spend with the people in the world who really do care about and uplift me.
- Don't let present economic dilemmas keep you from dreaming. The authors suggest keeping an optimism journal; I have a wish list. :-)
- Engage in acts of kindness and give back. I have mentioned the importance of this before (and even have included a "giving back" section on the blog). If you are unsure of how to best do this or feel as though you have nothing to give (and I assure you, we all have days when we feel that way!), check out the 29-Day Giving Challenge web site. They have listed many suggestions; plus, you can connect with people from all over the world who are also committed to this simply human principle. I am on day 3 of my personal challenge, and I have already happily reconnected with a couple people from my past. Can't wait to see what unfolds in the remaining 26 days!
- Consider a media blackout: This is alluded to in the article, but it is a technique that I use whenever I feel overwhelmed. There is so much negative reporting on the TV and the Internet, that sometimes I find the best thing to do is to just ignore it for a few days, focusing on my family, our neighborhood, and local community instead.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
