Emotional Bailout Plan

This post is a little different than usual, rather than turning to emotional eating in tough economic times, try some of these great ideas. Today's guest blogger, Heather Brewer, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and American College of Sports Medicine certified Exercise Specialist. She helps clients create a balanced life by improving their emotional and physical health. She can be reached at 570-8887 or heatherbrewer@att.net.

This winter there was much focus on the recession and the economic bailout plan. So much media attention to what is not going well can increase our stress and anxiety even if we are not directly dealing with the effects of the economic downturn. In response to this I have developed an Emotional Bailout Plan to help keep our emotions positive during this challenging time.

PAY attention to where you put your attention as this directly affects our emotions. Limit your news intake and read inspirational and/or intellectually stimulating books or watch uplifting movies.

SPEND time each night listing five things you are grateful for. It could be as small as clean water flowing from your tap to finding a job.

SAVE yourself from negative self talk and replace these thoughts with more positive ones. Keep your mind filled with thoughts of what you want, not want you don't want.

CREDIT yourself for all you do to make the world a better place whether by a beautiful spring garden, a smile to a stranger or volunteering time to those less fortunate. We all do make a difference.

INVEST your most valuable asset, time, in things that will double your investment such as quality times with family and friends, a 30 minute walk in nature or time in prayer or meditation.

DIVERSIFY your interests. Make a list of experiences you'd like to have in your life and pick one to complete. Maybe you will travel to a new place, train for a 5K or learn to tap dance.

DEBIT a past hurt from your emotional bank and forgive a person who hurt you. Being able to forgive creates more room for joy now that you are no longer putting energy into anger and hurt.

Pick a couple of these steps to implement today and notice the improvement they make in you attitude and mood. You will be much more successful in facing challenging times with the right frame of mind.