The last two weeks have felt overwhelming for most Americans including myself. Watching the financial sector on Wall Street suffer a severe blow, with a ripple effect on the stability of most business’s. On top of that, many of Americans including myself have watched their 401K’s plummet to a 66% loss in profits. Times are tough and Americans are feeling the heat, with no end in sight.
Is is so easy to get caught up in the dramatic spin on business TV CNBC Squawk on the Street, Fox Business and the Bloomberg station. The media should be censored. In my opinion, they are largely responsible for disrupting the emotional well being of Americans. I believe it is best to turn them off!
American’s are working harder, more hours and spending less time doing the things they typically do to relax and lower their stress levels. Many American’s are losing sleep, worrying about their lives, and wondering where the next paycheck will come from. I just listened to video clip on CNN discussing how libraries are booming in this economic climate, due to unemployment and people researching job opportunities at the local library.
The cumulative result is an abrupt negative change in peoples overall health, to include insomnia, poor eating habits and lack of physical activity and exercise. All these effect the integrity of the heart, change in blood pressure and an increase in endogenous corticotropins. Corticotropins stimulate the adrenal cortex to secrete hormones. The more common adverse effects of corticotropins include cardiac hypertrophy, fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance. All life threatening health risk factors.
Being the President of Somagenesis Health and Fitness, a physician assistant and Master Personal Fitness Trainer, I too feel many of the stress’s and emotional triggers that many of my clients and friends experience. As a business owner I wear three hats, and am responsible for keeping my staff financially solvent and happy during these difficult times. The big difference are the tools I use to numb the pain of depression, anger and or stress. After all there is not a whole lot we can do as individuals to lift this ominous economic cloud and stop the bleeding. What we can do, is focus entirely on ourselves.
Here is what I do and recommend to my clients and friends:
Control nervous eating behavior - Eat as clean and organic as possible. No sweets as they will only plummet your blood sugars and leave you feeling weak and lethargic. Moreover fast food and toxic calories will only slow you down and make you less alert, in a time where you need to be on your toe’s.
Exercise at least 45 minutes daily – A great way to enhance physical and psychological well being. Exercise can also promotes a deeper level of sleep, and induce a natural morphine drug-like effect.
Avoid Alcohol consumption and drugs – Alcohol is a depressant and can only exacerbate what stress’s. Now is the time to do what it takes to promote a psychological well being.
Get at least 7 hours of solid sleep – Quality deep sleep always makes you feel refreshed, alive and ready to take on new challenges. You will be surprised how mood enhancing it is. Studies have shown that individuals who are sleep deprived are more apt to commit suicide that those who get restful sleep.
Journal your thoughts and anxieties – Starting a blog or a personal diary is a great way to express deep seated subliminal thoughts. Journaling can greatly alleviate stress and anxiety. Journaling can also help you problem solve and plan for future events in a methodical way.
Spend time with love ones and friends – Commiserating and discussing life crisis’s can be very therapeutic to your emotional well being. Studies are shown that couples who isolate themselves during trying times are more likely to end up divorced, than couples who discuss their problems openly.
In conclusion, I believe the American economic crisis will improve in time, as it has done in the past. Don’t allow the haphazard behaviors of Washington politicians and Wall Street CEO’s destroy your physical and emotional life. Without good health, everything we work for or plan becomes a moot point. Be selfish, accept the hard times and go with the flow. Get to the gym, eat healthy, stop and smell the roses. This is your moment in life, to give your health and body and mind a tune-up! For more information on how to fine tune your life with San Diego’s best, peruse our “Award Winning” website Somagenesis Health and Fitness.
