Take Control of Your Life in 2009

December 24, 2008.

Take Control of Your Life in 2009

Feeling under siege due to the economic meltdown? It seems like many of us feel that we have lost control of our lives - jobs, finances, future plans and dreams. However, there are some critical elements that you can control - here, now and today that do not cost a lot of money.

Your Health

Start taking control of your health. This is probably one of the most important factors in your longevity and financial situation. So what are some key steps that you can take to improve your health?

Eat Healthier

Start eating healthy, more fruits and vegetables, more natural foods as opposed to processed foods, more whole grains, less fatty foods.

Start listening to your body when you're eating and stop when you are no longer hungry. Take smaller portions.

Have a salad with lunch and dinner. Have a fruit with every meal or at least two meals. Eat whole grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta. Skip dessert and eat a fruit instead.

Exercise

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. The simplest exercises are the best - swimming, which is wonderful for your aches and pains and flexibility and which exercises all your muscles. Walking – put on a pair of athletic shoes and get out there and visit your neighborhood or discover other neighborhoods. You can walk anywhere, at any time, at any place. Indoors – on a treadmill – or outdoors. Start your day by walking to get off to a great start and arm yourself for the day. Keep a pair of sneakers at work to walk at lunchtime.

Manage Stress

Feel stressed out? Try some meditation. Carve out some quiet time, even at your desk, to close your eyes and meditate. Think of your favorite vacation place. Keep a postcard of this place at your desk.

Think of your favorite color. Repeat to yourself a phrase that relaxes you such as “everything will be okay” or even a prayer or chant.

Take a break during the day to walk to de-stress and gain a new perspective. You will kill two birds with one stone – exercise and de-stress. Listen to calm, soothing music to calm your nerves. Identify your stressors and how to minimize them.

Improve your Attitude and Mental Outlook

A positive outlook is key to your success, on a professional and personal level. So, when looking for a new job, focus on your new plans and think positive thoughts. There is no point looking back except to identify the great things that you have accomplished and what you can bring to a new employer or new business.

As looking for a job is stressful, make sure you take some time out to relax, refresh and reflect so that you are relaxed when you network and interview. People will react to your attitude.

Take advantage of the time that is given to you to enjoy your family and friends. Catch up on your medical appointments. Organize your office or home so that you feel more in control. Reward your search efforts by taking some time to visit museums, maybe catch a movie or rent some videos of movies you have missed. Host a movie party at home with friends and family. Host a pot luck dinner during the holidays to discover the culinary expertise of your friends and family.

Enjoy the simple things in Life

Some of the best things in life are free or cost very little. Reading the paper in the morning over a good cup of coffee. Going to free events in the city – there are tons of free events every week. Discovering a new neighborhood. Playing games with your children. Keeping a journal to record your feelings. Volunteering for a worthwhile cause. Reading a good book. Networking with people. Painting a picture. Watching a great movie or program on public television. Getting involved in politics. Cocooning in your home and seeing how you can re-arrange the furniture for a new look or make some little changes or clean out your office.

Count your blessings every day

Finally, count your blessings every day. Every day, at the end of the day, keep a notebook by your bed and record the things that you are grateful for – family, friends, pets, health, new opportunities, professional contacts who have graciously given you their time, your creativity and great ideas.

Focus on the positive and look at the positive side of things and life. Positive thoughts will go a long way in helping you through challenging times. As a saying goes, “Life is not for cowards.” Successfully meeting challenges and learning from them is, in fact, a gift that keeps giving as the lessons you learn you will keep your whole life.

I look forward to hearing your ideas about this topic.

Happy Holidays to you all!
Carla Visser
Global Human Resource Solutions LLC
www.ghrsonline.com
718-793-3451