Suggestions to keep physical and emotional health on track in a difficult economy!

by Lisa Drew of LisaDrewWellness.com

Photos by Terree Yeagle

With many people out of work, recently lost a job, scared to lose their job, stress has increased not in just the United States but all over the world. Relationships are strained because money is an issue. How do you not rely on cheap processed foods but instead buy whole, organic foods with little to no money or on food stamps? You just do. If you make a commitment to yourself and your family that you will focus on health first while out of work or on the job hunt, you will see your stress levels come down. Feeding yourself with mood lifting foods like organic fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and wild caught fish, nuts and seeds you will increase your serotonin levels, which naturally makes you feel good. You might need to shop at two or three different stores and farmer’s markets to save money. Yes, you might even need to go to the store every few days, but that’s a good thing. By eating healthy now, you will prevent disease and severe illness later. Believe me, if you go the route of buying processed meats and cheeses, other processed foods, soda, chips, etc. you will pay later in the health department. You might get heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, certain cancers, etc. So don’t use the fact that you are out of a job as an excuse. You can’t afford it! You only have one life!

So you had to give up your gym membership for now. So what? You can still do plenty of other exercises for free like walking, running, yoga, play basketball, baseball, etc. Get on the playground with your kids and run around with them. The point is to get moving! Exercise is a must to reduce stress, helps your cardiovascular system and helps prevent disease. Start your day with a walk or run. You will be more energized for your day of job hunting. If you have kids, exercise with them; you will be creating memories with them. Maybe your job loss was meant to be a wakeup call to slow down and spend more time with your family. Take each day as they come. Planning and preparation are a part of healthy living whether you have a job or not.

Write in a journal. There is something cathartic about putting pen to paper. Write down your goals, hopes and dreams. Write down your frustrations but finish with what you are grateful for in that day. Focus on the positives in your life not the negatives. A job search is a full time job and can be very frustrating and maddening at times. Don’t take every rejection personally. I know it’s hard not to. You think “What’s wrong with me?” “Why didn’t they pick me?” You don’t have control over that. You do have control on how you react. Maybe it wasn’t the right job for you. Maybe there is something better about to land in your lap. Whatever you do, stay positive about it. You might be saying to yourself, “Okay Lisa, I’ve been out of work for a year or two, how do I possibly stay positive?”For every negative thought you are having, replace it with a positive one. The mindless chatter in your head can be harmful if you don’t switch it to positive thinking. Instead of saying, “I will never get a job.” Say, “I didn’t get this job because the one I’m supposed to have is right around the corner.” “I am ready to receive the job of my dreams.”; things along those lines. Or, maybe this is the Universe telling you to start your own business. Did you ever think of that? Turn your passion into your own business. I truly believe things happen for a reason. I do believe in the Law of Attraction. What is the Law of Attraction? Simply put, is essentially a belief or theory, that “like attracts like,” and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results. So continue to eat healthy, reduce your stress by communicating with your spouse or partner, exercise, and stay positive. You will see everything will work out for the better! Whatever you do, don’t give up! I believe in you!

If you are reading this and would like to start a new chapter in your life by getting fit and helping others, I am looking for quality coaches to add to my team. Do something you’re passionate about. And make money doing it. Inspire others to achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life. It’s easy. We give you the sales tools, support, training—everything you need to get started. For more information, please contact me at lisa@wellfitfusion.com.