How to Stay Upbeat During Financial Hard Times
- 1). Practice an attitude of gratitude. A study published in the February 2003 issue of "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" found that people who consciously focus on their blessings rather than their burdens experience more optimism, sleep better and suffer fewer physical problems.
When you receive past-due notices, or your children ask you for money to go places and buy things, it's easy to fall into the habit of focusing on what you lack. Instead, spend a few moments in the morning and during the day to feel grateful for what you do have, such as good health, a place to live, a car that runs, people who love you and the beauty of nature around you. At night, share family time by having everyone recall a favorite part of the day. Then as you fall asleep, count your blessings rather than worry about unpaid bills. - 2). Use positive self-talk to maintain optimism. A study published in the June 1998 issue of "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" found that optimism helps people adjust to stress both psychologically and physically.
Be your own coach by giving yourself pep talks when negative thoughts enter your mind. While job hunting, if a little voice in your head says, "Don't waste your time; you haven't gotten any other jobs you applied for," imagine pressing a rewind button on that recording and say to yourself, "This one might be my next job" or "This application puts me one closer to being hired." When you experience a setback, tell yourself, "Up and down, but always forward" or "Every day, in every way, everything gets better and better." Before falling asleep at night, say to yourself, "I believe something wonderful will happen to me tomorrow." - 3). Treat yourself occasionally. When your expenses are constantly more than your income, it can be hard to justify spending money on anything that isn't a necessity. However, if you continually deprive yourself of even little pleasures, you could become angry and impatient with yourself and others, because your need for some stress relief is not being met. Try to squeeze out a few dollars each week to treat yourself to a simple pleasure like eating ice cream or playing an arcade game with your child. Take time to enjoy free activities, too, like walks around your neighborhood. Counter any guilty thoughts with assurance that occasional treats and breaks are necessary to maintain emotional balance.
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