The Pendulum of fear and hope is swinging - what way are you pushing it?

Picking up on Credit Muncher’s latest column, I’ve been thinking about what we can do individually to help ease the pain of this global recession…

Not normally a fan of Will Young, I was impressed with his appearance on Question Time this week; that boy might take a long time to say something, but once he’s managed to get it out, it does make sense. I especially warmed to him when he made his point about how ridiculous the whole ‘Who can we blame for the embarrassing snow fiasco?’ was; he pointed out that the snow was overall a good thing that brought people together in a positive way and enabled us to focus on living; rather than slogging our guts out or worrying about the recession. OK, maybe not his exact words, but that was his meaning. (If I was to write his exact words, it’d take a while and it would not necessarily be in proper sentences.)

Anyway, I agree with Credit Muncher and Will; this is a time when the success or failure of the country will depend on whether we unite as a nation, or seek to compete with each other while blaming others where we can, and covering our own backs.

Our reaction to a crisis can either be fuelled by fear or hope. Here’s some ways we could individually help swing the pendulum in the direction of hope:

1. Slow down: Your head may be telling you to speed up, but now is the time for proper thought about your future. Don’t be tempted to build your house on the straw, as many did in the boom period.
   


2. Be honest: Even if you’re desperate for a job, try to keep it real at interviews and be honest with yourself and potential employers. If you have to lie to get a job, the chances are that not right for you and, not only will the right candidate be missing out, but your health could suffer in the long term when you become stressed out and unfulfilled.
   


3. Don’t panic: Just as the seasons phase in and out with a few false starts, so does change. Change is a natural occurrence; go with it.
   


4. Live in the moment as much as you can: don’t let fear get a grip of you.
   


5. Resist being mean with money: Now, more than ever, a round of drinks might be just what the doctor ordered. How you are with money can seep into other aspects of your life; a tight pocket can lead to a tight heart.
   


6. Walk with a bounce: try it; it improves your mood!
   


7. Reconsider how you spend your leisure time: Evidence shows that working all hours for six months then going on a two-week beach holiday is bad for your health. Rather than saving up time and money to blow on a week in Barbados, consider redistributing your precious cash and time, and invest in your daily life: order that new bed, book that course or buy those drinks!;)
   

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Posted 12:12 PM on Sun Feb 08 2009

By Work Slave

1670 views, 0 Comments