in my mind's zen garden

9 Ways To Cope During Troubled Times

Posted by Randomguru | Filed under Frugal Living

Once again, I became aware of how the simple things in life can be more precious, and free.

Like the ebb and flow of the tide, many things in nature move in cycles, just as many things in life do. It’s important to look beyond our lives at all the beauty that surrounds us.

On a recent trip to the ocean…

The Economy – Expanding and Contracting

In these troubled economic times, it’s important not to lose sight of that big picture, and to understand that many things in life have a tendency to expand and contract.

“The only thing permanent is change.” —Immanuel Kant

I was thinking of ways in which to cope during our current economic crisis. At the start of the New Year, now is the perfect time to prepare ourselves to plan and cope, in the event things should really go sour. So with that in mind, I’ve outlined some ways in which we all can cope during troubled times:

9 Ways To Cope During Troubled Times

• 1. Develop Your Sense of Survival
  The more one thinks about it, we are here today because we are survivors. Whether it’s because we are careful with what we eat, or how we drive, or even cross the street… the bottom line is, we are here today because we survived to live another day. So, tuning into this innate sense of survival during troubled times is very important.
• 2. Learn To Be Frugal
  If you’re like me, 10 years ago I was not very good at saving money. Armed with several credit cards, I always wanted to buy the latest gadgets and gizmos. And this would, in turn, bring my overall consumer debt up, up, up. I have since learned from my mistakes.

  “There are plenty of ways to get ahead. The first is so basic I’m almost embarrassed to say it: spend less than you earn.”
  —Paul Clitheroe

  Being frugal doesn’t mean living a poor lifestyle. It means living a practical, thrifty-oriented, “restrained” lifestyle… always shopping for the best bargains… making sure you don’t waste things.

  Being frugal is a good way to de-stress your life, to get by with less, and not get caught up in the vicious cycle of consumerism that plagues our society, fueled by those corporate entities who would want us to continually spend our hard earned money!

• 3. Be Thankful For What You Have
  A part of being frugal is being thankful for what you already have. Thankful for things that are intangible yet priceless, like family, friends, and good health. Learn to value those special things more than anything else, and set aside a few moments each day to be thankful for what you have. Every single day. And don’t wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful!
• 4. Keep Your Long Term Goals In Mind
  One of the things that keeps us going is our passion for life. Do you have a special interest or skill that needs cultivating? Do you have a dream? Do you strive for that dream job? It may seem like the odds are stacked up against you, but it doesn’t hurt to dream. In life many people get through troubled times “because” they have a dream. So, keep that dream alive, persevere and be diligent toward your life’s purpose!
• 5. Step Back And Assess The Damage
  Maybe you were laid off, or your business is in dire straits right now. It’s important to step back, take a deep breath, and assess the damage. Keep a calm frame of mind and try to problem solve.

  Do whatever research you need to do to get yourself out of your problem. Sometimes it seems inevitable that you’re going to lose your job or your business. And if that’s the case, then learn to “adapt” and find alternative solutions to your dilemma. Study the situation the best you can, be strong, and don’t give up hope!

  “Roll with the punches is what I tell, to people when things don’t go too well.” —Young MC

• 6. Put Yourself In Savings Mode
  Save. Save. Save. That’s about all I should say here. But many people don’t save enough. I go to the mall and I see people spending like there’s no tomorrow. Ideally, you should have 3 months worth of your salary in the bank, in case times get rough. If you do then your in good shape. If not then put yourself in savings mode and stop spending except for essential items like food, clothing, utilities and shelter.
• 7. The Best Things In Life Are Free
  During troubled times one might be limited on dining out or going to the movies. Now’s the time to rediscover the best things in life that are FREE. Like, taking a stroll by the beach or taking a nature walk, staying home with family or friends and playing a board game, or reading a good book you picked up from the public library. Doing these things with family and friends you care about is very important.
• 8. Always Keep Your Chin Up
  It might seem like your world is falling apart, but remember again that life’s experiences run in cycles like the ebb and tide of the oceans, or how night turns into day. Just keep in mind that these cycles are a natural part of our world and the universe. Though your life might seem like it’s unraveling right now, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude and know that eventually things will get better. Work on cultivating a bright and positive outlook on life.
• 9. Embrace Change As A Natural Process of Life
  Accept within your Self that the only thing permanent IS change. Usually, when we want change to occur it is to our benefit. But we must accept the fact that we will experience change that isn’t what we desire, and therefore we must deal with that change the best way that we can.

  But also know that you have the ability to change, and make change happen within your life. If you head out the door you can keep putting one foot in front of the other, and suddenly you’ve walked a mile! Affecting postive change in your life is a process of steps. Sure, there might be setbacks along the way, but perseverance and tenacity will eventually get you there!

  “Be the change you want to see in the world.” —Mahatma Gandhi

Tagged : Advice & Tips

Comments (View Comments) | January 14th, 2009