10 reader tips to stay happy in tough times
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7. Stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Many readers noted that time out of a job presents a fabulous opportunity to begin exercising. Even those who are still employed and insanely busy pointed out how much exercise can help alleviate stress. Other readers talked about the value of spending quality time outside. Here are some examples:
- “Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Walk to a co-worker’s office. ... If possible, walk or bike to work instead of driving.” -Sherrie, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- “As a family, we like to be outdoors but we know we won’t be taking any trips for a while so we are planning our yards to fit the times. Bonfires at night [and] at home will be a regular feature this summer. Another family member has a pool and when we want to, we can take a trip to the lake down the street for any fishing and hiking. This is how my family has made it these past few years before the government finally agreed we were in a recession.” -Christy, Carter Lake, Iowa
8. Give to others in need. Dozens of you referenced the fact that no matter how bad things get, it’s always possible to find someone else who’s in an even tougher spot. Again and again, you praised the benefits of volunteering. Consider this example:
- “My sister and I have both been unemployed since last year. My in-laws called looking for some help with a volunteer effort that hands out groceries to people in need at different locations on weekends. Unloading truckloads, breaking down bulk items such as 40-pound bags of beans into gallon Ziploc bags, setting up goods onto fold-out tables so people can choose what they like, takes a lot of time and work through the week. My sister, my wife and I came to help out in a jam and have continued to help because it feels good to do something — anything — for those who need it in these failing times. Last week 530 families showed up for some groceries to help supplement their food bill.” -Cruze, Brownsburg, Ind.
9. Curl up with a good book. A number of you wrote in about the curative powers of reading — and many of you are snapping up books for free at your local library. Here’s one example of such advice:
- “Read an uplifting book. Chances are good literature will transport you mentally somewhere else and for a while get your mind off your troubles and the front-page headlines. It’s also a great way to support your local library and broaden your intellect.” -Tanner, New York City
10. Remain focused on what really matters. In closing, consider these wise words from Cheryl, a nurse of 30 years from Kingwood, W.V.:
- “You’re born into this world with nothing and when you die you have nothing. I know it sounds depressing but it is not. Actually, it can set you free. Material things are nice, but they are just things. Focus on the love for your family and friends and all the wonderful memories. If someone told you today that you only had three months to live, you would not be caught up into all this stuff. I know that not being able to pay your bills, losing your house, car, etc., can be overwhelming, but it is just stuff. I have sat by many patients’ bedsides when they were dying and they never mentioned bills or money or material things. They wanted to know if I could call their family or to tell their family and friends that they loved them. They wanted their family and friends to be with them. I enjoy nice things but if I would lose it tomorrow, I know that I would be OK as long as I had my family and friends.”
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