In today’s economy, more than 80% of America has been negatively affected by this recession. The negative statistics are growing in paramount proportions. Many Americans are hurting, scared and confused. Regardless of who is to blame, it does come down to a struggle for an individual state of mental and physical well-being. We have to take care of ourselves first, before we can be helpful and encouraging to others.
I have even watched as the Mind Design Unlimited Top Sellers, which were once our Weight Loss and Exercise Motivation Products (by a large margin), be outsold by our Positive Attitude and Beat Depression Products. It has amazed me to see how in just a short few months, Americans have been turned from being mainly an optimistic/positive country, into seemingly a country of fear, confusion and anger.
The letters I get from readers today are more related to the stress, fear and depression in which they are suffering. Whereas, most of my letters over a year ago, where focused mainly on “self-improvement”. Today, people are in need of “self-help” it seems more than they are just “self-improvement”. This is because of the recession obviously. But, it is also an example of how people must change with the times.
Within the last century, this country went through a recession that made history as the most severe recession America had ever seen. Now, we are living through one that is equal, and arguably worse (as the statistics keep growing) than the one 70 – 80 years ago. That recession 80 years ago was not just a financial recession, but was named “The Great Depression”
The reason for the name was because of its effect on the economy, as well as our society and most certainly, its people. Few people are alive today that can describe in detail the memory of living through the Great Depression. But, those that did experience it were forever impacted by its traumatic effects on their lives.
Fact: You are now living through either the worst recession or second worst recession in American history. Some people are taking it well. But, many Americans will spend out the rest of their lives knowing what it was like experiencing this social and financial impact. We are seeing our ways of life change daily. On a minor level, maybe some of your favorite stores or restaurants are closing down. On a major level, maybe you have to budget completely differently these days for food, electricity or a car payment. Or, on a severe level, you may even have lost or be in the process of losing your home. By now, most of us know someone who has had a major downturn or lifestyle change caused by this recession. And, in some cases, it may be you. (We hope not.)
But, what I do know to be true is this. We now have more tools and abilities to help ourselves than we did 80 years ago. We have more knowledge. We have more tools. We have more resources. We have more technical help. I am a firm believer in the fact that we “need to help ourselves first, before we can help others”. And, I am seeing a lot of people in need these days.
One of my favorite quotes by one of my closest and best friends William “Bill” Brown is, “If every other person was in the helping profession, there would almost be enough.” This is such a true and applicable statement, especially in times like today.
So, how can YOU help yourself?
Well, listen carefully. In times like these, especially the types of depression and confusion we are experiencing, it is very common to lose your perspective. In losing our perspective, you forget about the most important factor: YOU!!
1. Eat right
I didn’t say eat a lot, or eat junk food. When I say to “eat right”, I mean eat healthy vegetables, fruits, proteins and drink liquids that are free from processed sugars. Stay away from processed foods such as potato chips, sodas, candy and snacks with sugar. Drink water. When stressed, your body needs healthy nutrients to restore balance and maintain proper hydration. Eat smaller, healthy meals broken down throughout the day.
2. Get proper sleep and rest.
Your body needs about 8 hours of healthy sleep in a 24-hour period. When you do not get healthy and proper sleep, you are more susceptible to illness and disease. Sleep is vital for a healthy immune system. Sleep is also vital for greater mental clarity and better decision-making. Healthy sleep will reduce the “fog” in your life, and give you a better understanding concerning life’s issues.
3. Exercise Regularly
I know you hear this all the time. But, it is a much-needed portion of health for both your body and mind. When I say exercise regularly, I mean that if you can not afford 20 minutes a day of basic aerobics, stretching, or walking, then you need to find 3 – 4 days a week to fit exercise into your schedule. Cardio workouts are very important as well. Exercising just 20 minutes 3 – 4 times a week can greatly improve your physical, mental and emotional health. If you can do more exercise time, then great! Add it to the list. Even though you may be out of work or have had a major lifestyle change, you need to get all of the healthy exercise your body can stand. It is vital for your overall health. Do not let life’s complications prohibit you from taking care of yourself. You deserve physical and emotional health, so DO IT!!
4. Maintain Peace of Mind
Learn to relax in times of stress. More than ever, people are feeling depressed, scared, lonely and troubled. They even feel guilty and ashamed for taking time out of their day for their own stress management. This may be because you feel guilty after losing a job that you are not looking for another job, every waking moment. Or, maybe you are in dire financial straights, and you are uncertain about how some bills are going to get paid. Getting “peace of mind” will help you more in decision making, than stress or worry.
Learn breathing exercises and meditation. Turn off the TV and put on light music. Aromatherapy such as incense and burning scented candles can help ease tension and restore healthier perspectives and focus. Take periods of your day and shut out the world when you need to. If you have a TV in the bedroom, turn off the TV at night so you can sleep well. Take periods of your day and get away from the house, if you are out of work. You do not have to choose a place that costs money. There are plenty of places you can go and enjoy without spending money (i.e. local park, mall rotunda, library, etc.) Even if you are self-employed, change your work scenery and go to a new setting once in a while. Focus on taking 30 minutes a day to relax, focus and obtain “peace of mind”. Your body will reward you for it
5. Learn to Appreciate What you DO have right now.
While this is often a response we all take for granted, I think it is vital to appreciate the intangible things, with the tangible. Appreciate any and all physical and mental health that you have. Learn to show and speak appreciation for your friends and family. Tell them how much you need them and care. Let them know that you are there to at least talk, when needed.
Appreciate what assets you still have in your life. The very assets people were taking for granted 5 – 10 years ago may now be gone from your life. Learn to assess that your life and your mental and emotional well-being are more valuable than any tangible possession you may own.
Remember, if you were able to obtain it once, you will be able to obtain it again. And, right now, many people are losing hope. But, do NOT lose your mental or physical health.
Follow these 5 tips above. These 5 basic strategies may seem obvious to many. But, too often we forget all about their vital importance in times of stress and confusion.
Remember: Stay Focused. Stay Motivated. Stay Positive and Optimistic. And, we are here to help you!!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
“How are YOU today?”
The other day I was attending a seminar in Orlando. As I got on the elevator, I was amongst a large group of people going to the same seminar. I heard many greetings amongst this group as the introductions began: “Glad to meet you”, “Nice to meet you”, “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” There were numerous handshakes and smiles. As we got off the elevator, I could see many smiling faces as I walked down the corridor. Many people would make eye contact with me and ask “How are you today?” Or, “How are you doing today?!”. By conditioned response I always immediately replied, “I am doing well, thanks for asking. How are you today?” In all cases, they responded the same. “I am fine, Thank You.”
It only dawned on me, after leaving the event about how much we take for granted, these common salutations. We can often make a straightforward statement AFTER we meet a person, of exclaiming “Nice to meet you.” Or, “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” But, many of our salutations to complete strangers are not always just a “statement”, they are generally a “question”.
I wondered how many of us make this conditioned response daily, even when we are not “doing fine” or doing well. In America, it is quite common to greet others with a smile and a question, “How do you do?” It is rare to hear someone respond out of the ordinary. And, when they do it is most always related to a tragedy in their life.
I remember the first time I asked someone “How are you today?” that I got an unusual response. It was many years ago and I was in a buffet restaurant. The girl’s response was that her parent had died suddenly and she was at the hospital all night. She had not eaten in more than 24 hours and she was trying to find something simple she could eat and hopefully keep down.
I remember it stopped my flow of energy. I responded with, “Oh, I am so sorry to hear that.” I did not know what else to say. I was at a loss for words. I remember I almost felt guilty for asking. I cared. I was concerned all of the sudden for someone’s situation that I did not even know. I sat at my table with my friends as I occasionally glanced over and watched this girl eat alone. My friends were oblivious to what had just transpired and I did not think it so important to explain to them the situation. They were laughing and conversing with one another.
But, it bothered me that I felt that I could not be of more help, encouragement or assistance. I tried to look at the positive side and I thought to myself that I am glad she was honest with me. I am glad she had the courage to speak the truth about her situation. All too often, we find it impolite to respond to someone by way of the real truths in our life.
Life is full of burdens with times of anxiety and disappointment. That is all part of life. But, it is amazing how often we do interact with others and put on a plastic smile of confidence and pain-free existence. In America, we would consider it almost impolite around strangers to be honest about our feelings at the moment, if they were of disappointment, sadness or regret.
In years to follow, I sometimes would use the above story of the girl in the restaurant that had just gone through the sudden death of her parent. I would use it to show clients the ways that many people mask their true feelings. This girl was not masking her true emotion or hiding behind the faked response, “I am fine.” And, I use this as a positive example of how I did not judge this girl (a stranger) for being honest with me. I would point out that answering honestly about our feelings and situation is important. I would point out that her grieving had even begun because she was admitting to others what had happened. And she was working to move forward in her life, taking care of her body’s needs by eating. She was being vulnerable by telling of her recent experience to a complete stranger. I appreciated this strangers’ vulnerability. I appreciated this stranger’s courage. That is in part, Mental Health, right? And, I HAD asked her “How are you today?” did I not??
You see I have dealt with many clients with depression. Depression is one of my areas of specialty. I myself was diagnosed with depression years ago, and I have spent a lot of time keeping myself motivated and focused. I know how troubling it can be to spend months at a time in despair and unmotivated. I also understand how debilitating it can be without the right supports and intervention.
Certainly, in America, we are not interested in hearing people complain. We do not want to hear of someone’s tragedy or illness, unless we know and care about them. Those who get this special privilege are either famous people or our family and friends. We certainly would like for others to care about us when we are in pain or despair. But, even at times, we feel guilty for talking about our problems with friends, family and co-workers. We are afraid of being vulnerable. We are afraid of being judged. We are afraid of people losing respect for us. We are afraid of appearing weak.
So, I ask you today. How are YOU today? How are you, really?
Because, I DO care. And, I want you to take time to care about yourself, as well.
Mind Design Unlimited was created to be a “self-help” and self-improvement company that creates products to help you through life. We make no claims of “cures”, but we have been very helpful for thousands and thousands of people just like you in making healthy, positive life changes.
E-mail your questions, comments or stories. Mr. Flint will make his best effort to respond to your question or comments. Also, let us know if we can reprint it within a future e-zine, as well as whether you would or would not like your name to be printed with it. (i.e. First name, last name initial. Full name and city -state, or remain anonymous.)
Mind Design Unlimited... Created their blog....
Thanks for reading... Mind Design Unlimited is dedicated to bringing you the best information and the best products available to assist you in creating a better life. Stay tuned to our blog to remain updated in new information and products as well as speaking engagements. Write to us if you have any questions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)