How to Stay Cheerful during a Hurting Economy

Life may seem difficult when all of the things in the world seem to be spiraling downward. High fuel costs, rising food prices, the verge of unemployment, and other downfalls of life can give us a dim outlook about our current situation. By remembering that we have family and friends who care about us, and taking time to spend moments with those in our lives, it can be easy to get through the tough times in our life. Below are some simple steps that can help you try to stay cheerful even when the moments don't seem to improve as fast as we would like them to.

Things You'll Need

• Hope
• Love
• Family
• Friends
• Thankfulness

Instructions

1. 

   Take as much extra time as you can to spend it with your family and those you care about. Turn off the television and shut off the computers. Too much media in the news and digital distractions can cause stress. Get out the board games, a deck of cards, take walks, or ride bicycles together as a family.

2. 

   Plan mini vacations and small get aways that won't cost alot. Pack up a picnic basket and head to the nearest park. Organize a small game of baseball, volleyball, horseshoes, or any other fun outdoor activity.

3. 

   Organize weekly dinners with your close friends and family. Have everybody volunteer to bring a side dish, and you can cook the main dish. This will help everyone save a little money. Rent a movie that everybody will enjoy and have a relaxing evening of eating and turning your mind elsewhere for awhile.

4. 

   Talk to others when you are feeling down or stressed. Speak with someone who has an unbiased opinion or seek counseling when necessary. Letting off some steam will help you feel a bit more better about the current situation that you might be in.

5. 

   Take time to get in touch with yourself and have some quiet time. Turn on a relaxing CD and zone out for awhile to clear your mind. Sit and enjoy a favorite book or magazine with your favorite beverage. Remember to take advantage of the outdoors when the weather is comfortable. Use the quietness of the outdoors to get away from all of the rush of work, home, and a busy city or town. If you live in the middle of the city, find a spot that is quiet and remote where you can take time to think.

6. 

   Be thankful and happy about the good things in your situation. Remember that you have a home, a family, food, and a place to sleep at night. There are likely others who are hurting worse than you are. As long as you have a roof over your head with food, and are surrounded by those whom you love and care about, life is still worth living.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that money doesn't always equal happiness.

Resources

• Living Stress Free
• Article: Bad economy, bad diet? Stress takes toll on fitness