If you have been listening to the television, reading the internet or newspaper these last few weeks; you're probably hunkered down in your basement cuddling the canned goods and preparing for another Depression.

Everywhere I go, people are talking doom & gloom, and the funny thing is -- I've now lived long enough to remember times that were far worse than these. Unfortunately, the media now fans the fear flames 24 x 7. We're not just informed -- we're terrified.

Our fight or flight response has been kicked into overdrive. Ironically, the current situtions causing our anxiety can't be overcome by fighting or fleeing. In fact, maintaining a stress response over a long duration does us all far more harm than good. We bathe ourselves in stress hormones, make poor fear-based decisions and generally wear-down our bodies and minds.

But, there is a better way. As an educator in the field of stress management, I do know that there are some things we can do to help us through these trying times.

Try not to catastrophize and awfulize. We humans have a propensity toward making situations worse than they are. Try to expend your energy figuring out what is possible. Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done.

Don’t spend countless hours watching the news. There are a lot of spinmeisters on TV. The more you hear the same bad news repeated the more your body/mind feels it’s under assault. You’ll find yourself getting anxious, irritable or depressed. You cannot deal with problems rationally when you’re manifesting physical symptoms that make you want to fight or flee.

Take breaks from your worries by going to a movie, exercising, meditating or hanging out with someone you really care for. Our brains need vacations from our fear-based thoughts. If you can find someone to laugh with, you’ve found a real treasure.

Try to discuss issues with individuals who tend to think positively. Having a group whining session only makes the world seem much gloomier than it is.

If you're looking for some a fun, healthy and relaxing escape from all this madness, come join me and some of my friends for a Lighten Up! Halloween Weekend at the Kripalu Wellness Center in Lenox, MA view link
I promise we'll distract you from what ever is eating you. You'll laugh, move, and remember what life is about -- having fun! Who wants to live to be 100 if you're miserable every day -- Come laugh with me and put some life back in your years!

Visit my group right here on Eons! view link