How to Have a Healthy Mind During the Recession

If you've been affected by the recession--turns out you have more to worry about than your finances. Your mind needs some attention too. During times of economic trouble we are left susceptible to things like anxiety, depression and chronic stress, a recent "NY Times" article reports. So, what exactly can we do? Use these suggestions to help get back on track to sunnier days.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get Professional Help
   
   I know; it may be easier said than done, especially if you're in a financial crunch. But if you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover it, it may be worth it to find affordable therapy sessions. A good therapist could really help you get through the tough times.

2. Take Care of Yourself
   
   In times of extreme stress, it's necessary to take care of your body. This will help your mind cope with the various difficulties you may be experiencing. Eat right and follow a good exercise program. Think you don't have time? Getting the right nutrients is essential to your health, and exercising will relieve stress. This will also help prevent health problems, which can get expensive.

3. Consider Taking Calming Herbs
   
   Having trouble sleeping at night? Does your nervous system feel frazzled? Gentle herbs like chamomile, stinging nettle and oatstraw can really help calm your nervous system. These herbs are gentle enough to take each day in the form of a tea. Just don't take nettle if you're taking medication to thin the blood like Coumadin; the Vitamin K content in nettle causes blood clots.

4. Try Essential Oils
   
   Certain essential oils can lift the spirits and help you relax. If you need a mood boost, citrus oils like tangerine and bergamot are good bets. Oils like lavender, chamomile and rose can help you relax. I like to make a room spray out of the citrus oils by mixing a few drops with some water in a diffuser. I make a massage oil out of the relaxing oils by combining 1/2 cup of oil (e.g. olive oil or almond oil) with 10 drops of the essential oil.

5. Get Financial Help
   
   Chances are, a lot of your stress might be caused by money. If this is the case, you might want to consider getting financial help. If you're unemployed you could be collecting unemployment, for example. Also take advantage of any other government programs you might be eligible for such as disability or food stamps (see Resources below for some links to financial help options).

6. Learn to Deal With Stress
   
   Chances are your stress levels are pretty high. Take some time out of each day to relax and unwind. Do something you enjoy such as watch your favorite television show or read a book. You can also go for a walk whenever you feel stressed, or work on your favorite hobby. The important thing is to take some time out each day to relax.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning to relax is absolutely essential to keeping your mind healthy.
• Check with your doctor to make sure you don't have any health problems. The advice contained in this article is not designed to replace medical care and treatment.

Resources

• In Anxious Times, Medical Help for the Mind as Well as the Body

[mrtwiki]

on 11/12/2009 Great tips on How to Have a Healthy Mind During the Recession and dealing with stress. It is true but unfortunate that some have difficulty dealing with stress and then do things to themselves or others instead of getting the *often* free community services help that is there through state, county and city agencies.