We cannot fix Wall Street, but we can take positive steps to keep a healthy outlook despite these times of economic uncertainty.
Yesterday I posted links to Money Management International and Money Woes Make Couples Grumpy with two leading physicians. Here today I am presenting a link and excerpts from Linda Stern a freelance writer whose opinions are posted on Reuters. And I am reposting some sections of my column on money woes.
We know that the American Psychological Association says that more than 80 percent of Americans are suffering money stress — and during times of stress we see an increase in voilence within homes, within cities. Linda Sterns suggests you:
— Define yourself broadly. Don’t make the mistake of identifying too closely with your bank account balance.
— Face the situation squarely. Don’t hide from your money troubles, identify them.
— Get busy. Take action to attack whatever is troubling you. If it’s job woes, spend time updating your resume and reaching out to all of your contacts. If it’s your budget, look for areas to trim.
— Don’t sublimate. If you’re feeling angry (and, according to the experts, pretty much everyone is), don’t take it out on the people you care about.
— Avoid downer people. You know who they are.
— Fight anxiety directly, through activities like exercise, listening to music, meditation or hobbies.
— Have free and cheap fun
— Get help and more help
— Walk away from the computer and CNBC Here is her column: Money Woes Can Make You Sick at Reuters opinion
Rita_Watson_Money_woes_World News Network EXCERPTS — WHY WE NEED TO SLEEP
Therapists are seeing more depression among couples today. Money is poised to ease out sex as the top reason for divorce. When financial instability escalates so too does anxiety, which triggers depression.
“While many things can interfere with sleep, stress and anxiety are very common, especially during an economic downturn,” according to neurologist Carl W. Bazil, M.D.
“Ruminating about financial and personal problems, particularly as people quiet down and try to get to sleep, can interfere with relaxation and sleep onset. After poor sleep, people tend to be more irritable, which can lead to further anxiety and continued difficulty with sleep,” he said.
Sleep is so important that even losing an hour or two a night can interfere with a person’s thinking and judgment. With interrupted sleep what eventually happens is “an involuntary pattern of poor relaxation and sleep interference with associated depression and poor functioning levels,” added Dr. Bazil, an associate professor of clinical neurology at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.
We cannot fix the economy, but we can ward off depression and insomnia. “This cycle can be broken by medication, which can help with relaxation at bedtime, or by behavioral techniques, such as meditation, which help with relaxation,” said Dr. Bazil. “Many people need both. But the longer sleeplessness continues, the more difficult it can become to restore good sleep patterns. Early intervention is preferable.”
Speaking of sleep and needing to lighten up a bit, have you read? French-Women-Never-Sleep-Alone
Copyright 2009 Rita Watson