Fear is Not Unreasonable
The stock market is unstable, jobs are uncertain, and the cost of oil has driven everyday budgets out of whack. We filled up our oil tank last week. It cost nearly $1,000! That at least will get us through the mild winter in the Pacific Northwest.  But my family back east..they'll be spending that every month. Just to heat the house.  So feeling concerned about the current time, let alone the near future, is not unreasonable.

But we can't be paralyzed by our fear.  We've got to manage our own behaviors to manage our stress.

Take Care of Your Health
The last thing you need is to get sick. To cope with stressful times, you've got to be healthy.  When we're experiencing a high level of stress, it's very easy to neglect the few basic things that keep us healthy. Getting enough sleep. Eating well. Exercising. Taking a few minutes to meditate or pray every day. Sleep, exercise, and meditating or praying cost absolutely no money. It is the greatest "return on investment" you can get! Make each a priority.

Be the Star at Work
This is not the time to whine. Be as efficient as you can. Ask your boss what they need from you to increase their success.  Be visible. The people who get laid off are the ones who are considered expendable. Don't be that person.

Re-budget
With gas and heating costs at these levels, something else has got to go. Avoid going into debt to pay everyday bills.  Concentrate on the truly vital expenses. Delay, trim, or eliminate everything else.   Maybe you don't want to give up cable, but you can unsubscribe to the premium channels.  Cancel your land line phone. Change your cell phone plan to a cheaper one.  Drive less. Shop for groceries at warehouse-style outlets.  Start looking for coupons.  When I saw a person in front of me in the check-out line save $30 on her bill by using coupons, I became a coupon convert.

It's better to trim back and feel the pinch than have the additional stress of getting further in debt. If you're living within your means you will feel empowered. The slow-down is temporary. The economy will improve.  Your industry will retrench or a new opportunity will arise.  We just need first aid for current conditions. 

Remain positive
Attitude is everything. Remain optimistic!  Haven't you noticed that it's the optimists who have successful and happy lives? The people with the cloud over their head, who continually say "I can't.." are the ones who live difficult, troubled lives.

Be the person who says "I can."  Take care of yourself.  Take action to respond to challenging times. Know that you can adapt and thrive. No matter what comes your way!


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