April 2009 Article 1 | Article 2
Weathering the Financial Storm
“…grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
~Reinhold Niebuhr
Is the current financial crisis affecting your health? Chances are it is, whether you realize it or not. Many of us are feeing more irritable and fearful on a daily basis. Our anger at those responsible for our current state of affairs may be festering inside us without resolve. Because our health is tied to our emotional well-being, we may find ourselves with headaches, stomachaches or aching bodies.
You Bet I'm Angry!
While it is true that watching our savings dwindle is stressful, it is only a piece of the picture. At the core of the issue is our own sense of control. The ripple effect that occurred because of decisions made by others has made us keenly aware of our own powerlessness in the face of big business. We're angry, and we want to see someone be accountable for the mistakes made. Instead, we as taxpayers are footing the bill for bailouts and contracted bonuses exceeding what most of us will make in a lifetime. No wonder we're angry!
While our anger is understandable, when we ruminate over news stories or voice our anger amongst our friends and colleagues we may be doing more harm than good. Anger is an important emotion because it helps us identify when action needs to be taken. It helps us recognize when we have been violated- in this case by those on Wall Street with unscrupulous practices. If we discharge that anger onto others without taking action to help ourselves, then we may be left with a continued sense of helplessness and powerlessness which creates a vicious cycle: Our anger leaves us feeling helpless and powerless; we feel angry that we are helpless and powerless and then we go back to anger… and on it goes. The next thing you know you're at the doctor complaining of stomach pains. (By the way, these are probably due to increased acid production connected to holding on to negative emotions!)
Finding Peace in the Storm
So what can we do about the dilemma? It is critical that we begin to cultivate awareness of what we can do and what we can't do. In other words, as the quote above says, “…to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” Spending our energy on things outside our control leaves us exhausted!
By focusing on what choices we do have, we can recognize that we are not at the mercy of others. For example, we have a choice as to how we respond to the crisis. Healthy coping during these difficult times is paramount to weathering the financial storm. Where there is unresolved stress, trouble often follows. Our stress hormones become activated for a prolonged period of time, leaving us at risk for illnesses such as heart disease (the number one killer of women) and autoimmune disorders. We may find ourselves isolating more from family and friends, or using alcohol, drugs or food as a way to try and escape the vicious cycle of anger, helplessness and powerlessness.
What can we do to promote our own healthy coping? The first step is becoming aware of the feelings you are holding in your body. Contrary to what many of us believe, feelings are not in the mind. Our bodies are the container for our emotional states, explaining the connection between our emotional well-being and physical illness. Just by choosing to sit with the feeling instead of pushing it away, we open the door for healthy coping.
How do we identify and process these feelings? A few suggestions include: journaling (maybe write a letter to Wall St expressing your anger), yoga or meditation, or consider counseling. If you are the type to deny your feelings by avoiding your finances, make sure you set aside time and support from a friend or family member to help you with the overwhelming tasks. Lastly, keep reminding yourself… there are things within your control, despite all that is not.
The Athena Connection: April 2009 Article 1 | Article 2