5 Ways to Extinguish Fear
Posted by Maria Helm on September 3, 2009
Even if you have a solid plan to get through the downturn, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or fearful of what may be around the corner. Here are some action steps to help get your mind out of the recession rut:
1. Change your point of view. For every negative statistic, there’s a more positive way to look at it. For example, a 9.7% unemployment rate sounds scary; however, focus instead on the fact that 90.3% of Americans are working. There are also lessons to be learned such as how to live on a budget and how to depend less on credit.
2. Be encouraged and stay motivated. Whenever I feel uninspired or discouraged, I read The Greatest Secret in the World by Og Mandino. This book made me realize that my happiness and my success depend on no other than myself! Go to your local library and check-out some self-help and history books about people who have achieved great things despite great challenges.
3. Get moving. One of the best ways to fight stress is to exercise because it stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that relieve pain.
4. Seek out support. It is harder to maintain a positive mood if everyone around you is complaining about how bad things are. Seek out optimistic people who leave you feeling hopeful about the future or those willing to overcome their situation rather than wallow in it.
5. Just chill! Most people have become so accustomed to living lives of struggle and tension that it may feel abnormal to follow any other path. Learning to calm down, loosen up, let go, and flow more gently through our lives is one of the surest paths to authentic success.
“The conditions of conquest are always easy. We have but to toil awhile, endure awhile, believe always, and never turn back.” – Simms
