Baby Boomer Bummer
As everyone knows, times are tough. The cost of things has gone up and morale has gone down. According to a survey of close to 2500 people, baby boomers are the most affected age group. Many could speculate as to the reasons, but does it really matter? Let’s just find ways to fix it!
1. Let’s get physical! There are a myriad of excellent reasons to exercise. Firming and toning the body, endurance training not to mention increased energy and that “runners high”. You will also feel a deeper sense of accomplishment. You will look great and feel even better! It’s best to have a routine otherwise it gets very easy to say “I’ll do it later…” Get a buddy, if that would help-be accountable to each other. Finally, start off slowly. See what you can do and go from there.
2. Is the glass half full or almost ready for a refill? It’s amazing what you notice when you slow down and look around. I live in MN where in the fall we have the most beautiful colors of leaves. Rushing around, trying to get my daughter ready for trick-or-treating my husband stopped me and pointed out a bunch of trees. Brilliant yellows, oranges, reds and greens came into focus. I couldn’t believe what I had taken for granted, what I had almost missed. All because I was caught up in the busyness and the what if’s of the day.
3. Forgiveness is a dish best served anytime. When you forgive someone, you get piece of mind back. A sense of calmness and serenity will come and you will be more open to positive experiences.
4. A list of gratitudes. I keep a notebook on my nightstand next to the bed and every night before bed, I write down at least 5 gratitude’s. Someone at work told me I did a great job. My daughter cleaned her room without being asked. The moon was out. You get the idea. In addition to counting your blessings, you’ll have a book of things to look back on and smile.
5. Misery loves company. Why is it that the things we least want to do are the things we most need to do? When I’m alone, the longer I stay alone, the longer I want to be alone. And I’m a peopleperson! Kind of like if you sleep too much you can’t seem to shake the sleepiness. Find that hidden extra oomph and call a friend. Go to coffee. Take a free class at the community college. Get people together and brainstorm ways to save money, gas, time… it’ll make things a little easier.
6. On the flip side, don’t have unrealistic expectations. It’s a setup for disappointment. As my grandma says “if you can’t be grateful for what you have, be grateful for what you’ve escaped!”
We are all facing hard times. Even though the baby boomers were found to have the highest anxiety/depression they are also the generation to have less likely to have been laid off, paying to medical care or housing.
Depression is not discriminate. It can affect anyone, anytime. “Happiness is not about what happens to you but how you choose to respond to what happens. That’s why it’s called happiness, not happenness” Taken from the book of How to Be Happy, Dammit. And remember: “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching”.