PsychSense: Sensible Psychological Solutions

Right now I am going through some major changes in my life, retirement, relationships traveling, finances, what else is there?  All change, no matter how planned or positive brings some anxiety along with excitement. This article came to me just in time to give me a needed boost. Thanks to my terrific financial advisor Jay Cappon who wrote it.  Check him out at his great website

                                                  Change: How Best To Deal With It

By Jay Cappon

Change is inevitable, and unfortuunately, dealing with this reality of life is not easy for everyone.  A prime example of this are the changes that are now taking place in the economy and the stock market. But I wish to focus not on financial change, but on change in general, and the premise that when we adapt and embrace change, we are more likely to achieve our goals and live our dreams. 

 One of the great advantages of humans is our ability to adapt to and prepare for change.  History is full of countless examples of this, yet, too often we are resistant to change. This is likely due to the comfort that the status quo gives to us. Staying with what is comfortable and familiar keeps us connected to our past, especially if it gives us “good” memories. But we must not lose sight of any exciting opportunities for growth and new experiences that change brings. Being open-minded to new  ideas is an essential ingredient for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Implementing change in our life often involves a certain degree of risk. How successful we become at accepting and implementing change often depends on how well we prepare for it. The following suggestions are ways in which we can open our minds to change:

• Collect facts about the change Having this information in written  form will help you assess the impact of this change on you and how this impact may have a positive outcome.
• Evaluate all the possible risks What may go wrong if you go ahead and implement this change? Can you be negatively affected by the change? What may be the worst-case scenario?
• How will you deal with the risks Once you have identified the risks, develop a solution - in the form of a written plan - for each one.
• Commit yourself to perseverance
  Write down your commitment to the change, making it in the form of a contract to yourself. Then, keep it in a location where you will see it regularly as a constant reminder.
  
• Make the implementation process a series of small steps If you view change as a series of small steps instead of one large one, you will avoid “biting off more than you can chew”. It will be easier for you to reach several small milestones, along with a positive attitude and confidence in yourself.
  
• Reevaluate your process Be flexible  and make any adjustments - changes -  as you need to ensure success.
• Reward yourself for each small accomplishment.  Celebrate smaller  milestones and monitor the progress you have made. �
  

It is very true that change can cause many people to feel anxious or uncertain about the future. Yet, those of us who adapt, prepare for, and monitor change can experience it  as one of life’s great motivators– and rewards.

The NY Times Had a Great magazine issue This Past Sunday on Environmental Issues.

In it there was a brief mention of “eco anxiety”. This is identified as a “generalized worry about the environment”

Eco anxiety is not new, it is just reaching a threshold where it is becoming recognizable. People are talking more about the environment and realizing the importance of protecting it, even if they don’t believe in global warming.

The question is what do you do about Eco-Anxiety and about protecting the environment. Many people feel powerless to do anything or and don’t know what to do, they become immobilized.

If you use aggressive coping mechanisms this is a very uncomfortable feeling and you need to figure out what you can do. The little things mean a lot and regardless of where you stand on the issues the hints below should help you feel less anxious and more like you are doing something good, and you are!

Managing any anxiety is about understanding the issue and doing something. Most of us are confused about many of the environment issues, as there is much contradicting information. However here are 5 Very Easy things we can do to make ourselves feel better and have an effect on the environment. Thinks what these steps would do if we could get lots of people to do them! In addition you will see a big benefit for yourself!

• I know you are sick of hearing about changing light bulbs, but why aren’t you doing it. Ok they cost a little more but that is only initially. Along with shutting off lights and lowering your thermostat (raising it in hot weather) you will LOVE the effect on your electric bill, let alone the world.
• Buy less packaging. When shopping skip the products with fancy wrapping, they are more expensive. When taking doggie bags home from restaurant (I always do this it is free lunch the next day) ask for something beside Styrofoam, like wax paper or a napkin if possible. Maybe the restaurant will get the hint.
• Think how great if would be if we all agreed to not drive for one weekend day! It would make a huge difference in our need for oil, plus have so many personal benefits. One day with no errands, spend time with the kids, watch a movie, nap, and relieve yourself of the “need” to leave the house.
• Recycle junk mail, better yet reduce it. It will save you time and money; you won’t be tempted to buy.
• Reduce catalog mail at http://www.catalogchoice.org/ I had no idea how many catalogs I was getting till I started going through their list! Reduce other junk mail at DMAChoice.org
• If you don’t want something donate it to Goodwill, Salvation Army or the like. They will even pick some things up and leave you a tax receipt, this will give you about 1/3 of the value off your taxes! After your garage sale call them to pick up the remainder. If you don’t do that at least put it at the curb with a free sign, (not on garbage day) people (thank goodness) are getting less shy about curb shopping.

If you can’t do all of these PICK ONE and just do it. It will help YOU feel more in control and reduce your anxiety. It will also help the earth.