Helpful Tips for Dealing with Recession Fatigue

Has financial stress recently pushed you over the edge? Do you feel like you are getting hit from all sides? Are you looking for new ways to deal with the economic pressure? You are not alone. First, I am putting all the usual money talk aside. If you are feeling pressured to smile all the time, you may want to relax a bit and take on a more balanced approach. It may not be realistic to always have a happy face, so don’t force it. Balance it with what is going on - be real. Does the constant financial chatter around the water cooler have you feeling even worse than before you came to work? Although problems caused by finances are touching most of our lives in some way, we need to think of ways to minimize the stress and reduce anxiety. Talk reality – not doom & gloom and not sugar-coated, and don’t talk money all the time. Skip some of this talk. Have specific times that you talk about money because too much talk can go wrong. Start the week off on a new direction with a Monday coupon exchange with your co-workers or a special time where you share helpful ideas. nnAvoid deprivation mentality. How about earmarking some money each month just for fun? It doesn’t need to be a lot, but it does need to be fun. Even if it is $20 for a movie and popco –go for it! Consider turning off the daily bad news and get caught up weekly. If you were used to constantly tracking the stock market on the home page of your computer, remove it. Monitoring the happenings minute-by-minute only adds to your financial fatigue. You may find some inner peace and freedom by removing the continuous reminders of the financial world. Realize that it took time to get where we are, so it will take time to improve. Next, do you know someone either at work or in your family who has weathered a recession or depression? Talk to this person openly about your feelings and ask how he/she was able to cope. The key here is that this person survived and so will you! Inquire with the human resource department of your employer to see if you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). With this program, you may be able to access free and confidential help ranging from counseling to legal and financial services as well. Services vary, and keep in mind that if your employer does not offer an EAP, your spouse’s employer may. So, check there, too. Talking with a professional about your stressors and gaining some coping skills may go a long way in dealing with the financial fatigue you are feeling. An EAP is an excellent starting point. Lastly, examine your attitude. An attitude can make or break you. Think and practice the Theory of Abundance. Although you may have less, you still have enough. Now, believe it. Copyright © 2009 Kathy Jo Pollackn