For many months now, the global financial crisis has dominated the news and the thoughts of many. Stress and anxiety levels have risen. In today’s world we are bombarded with negative news every day — not just once but over and over. Fear sells newspapers and programs, and the media sells fear. Often we are fearful or anxious over things that we cannot control. The global financial situation is causing anxiety and fear among a wide range of people who have no influence over what is happening. The more fearful we become, the more likely we are to react.

For example, news that stock prices are falling causes people to sell their stocks, resulting in a further downturn in the market. People who are fearful of what will happen tomorrow stop spending their money today, thus contributing to the very situation they fear.

I know that many people are experiencing real hardship during this period and cutting spending may be the only option they have. However, with low interest rates and lower petrol prices, many others have more disposable income than before. Businesses rely on people spending and when this stops, everyone suffers.

So what can you do to recession-proof yourself and your business? The main thing is to stop living in fear and anxiety. Easier said than done, you think! For a long time doctors have realised that stress causes physical symptoms. A number of studies have been published that show a correlation between a positive psychological functioning and reduced level of disease.

So it is important for your physical health to maintain a positive attitude in life, no matter what happens around you! After all, you are your most important asset – both in your business and in your life.

Some level of stress is a normal part of life. In small quantities, stress may even be beneficial. It can help motivate you to be more productive. However, too much stress, or a strong response to stress, is harmful. It can set you up for general poor health as well as specific physical or psychological illnesses like infection, heart disease, or depression.

Reduce Your Stress!

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your levels of stress. First, you need to identify whether the stressful situation is one over which you can have some control or whether it is outside your sphere of influence. If there is something that you can do about the situation, then do it!

Take Action!

With the current financial situation, if you are in debt, the first thing to do is to examine your budget. Keep a note of what you are spending and then look at areas you may be able to cut back on. Seek advice from a financial planner. Most banks have an advisory service and organisations like the Salvation Army will give you free financial advice.

Contact the people to whom you owe money and explain your situation. Generally, it is possible to come to some arrangement that will relieve the present financial pressure. Stress and anxiety result when you feel overwhelmed, when things feel out of your control. Taking action, however small, helps you start feeling in control and lowers your stress levels!

Focus on the Positives

If there is nothing that you can do about the situation, then recognise that there is no point in worrying about something that is outside your control. Instead start to focus on the positive things in your life – the things that will still be there even if the worst happens. Set some time aside every day to think about the good things in your life. You may be asking, ‘What good things?’ But consider for a moment, where you would you rather be living? In Australia, with our high standard of living or in a shanty town in Africa?  Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.

Start keeping a ‘Gratitude Diary’. Write down at least ten things every day for which you can genuinely feel grateful – the fact that you can turn a tap and have clean water to drink; the fact that you can flip a switch and have light or heating; the fact that you live in a country where there are no wars raging around you; the fact that you have access to medical care. Sure, you may struggle to pay the bills but you are still among the privileged in this world! As you get into the habit of focusing on the positives in your life you will find that your thoughts will start to shift. When you are faced with negatives, you will think, ‘At least I still have …’

Challenge Negative Thoughts

When we have habitual patterns of negative thinking, then our stress levels are higher. Negative thinking decreases confidence, damaging performance and mental skills. We are largely unaware of these thought processes. One way of decreasing perceived stress is to start to become more aware of our thoughts and to start challenging them.

Unfortunately, when we are having negative thoughts, we tend to agree with ourselves and reinforce the helpless feeling! However, if a friend were to say they were feeling down because things were going badly, you would probably help them to recognise the good things about their lives or remind them of other times when things seemed bad but worked out in the end.

So, to challenge your own negative thoughts, pretend you are having a conversation with a friend. Tell yourself the same things you would if you were talking to a friend! Although this seems really simple, it is an effective way of taking control of our thoughts and becoming more positive!

Best-Case Scenario

Often when thinking about the future, we focus on the worst-case scenario. We picture ourselves failing. Start thinking about the best-case scenario! Focus on what would be the best outcome for you and your business. In your imagination, picture yourself being successful. Hear other people congratulating you on your achievements. You can actually feel yourself relaxing as you do this.

Relax!

Make some time for yourself – exercise is great for reducing stress levels – or just pamper yourself. Learn some stress reduction techniques, such as visualisation. You can find a lot of information on the internet and I have also posted some techniques at www.YourMindMastery.com/Stress.html

The more stressed we are, the more we become focused on whatever is causing the stress. We become so immersed in the problem that we fail to see possible solutions or opportunities. Taking control of our thoughts opens us up to new possibilities. Many people have been hard hit by what has happened but others have found opportunities to develop their businesses. Try to think outside the box as you look for new ways to grow. Sometimes another party, who is not directly connected to your business, can help you to see those opportunities that you may be missing.

Remember that if you are finding it tough, your competitors are also suffering. The businesses that survive will do so by remaining positive and focused on growth. So, ensure that your business is one of those by looking after yourself!

www.unlockyourpotential.com

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