Finding Comfort in a Stressful World Six Communication Steps That Will Get You There

For most of us, the year 2008 and the start of 2009 have been equivalent to a Level Eight earthquake.  Everyone experienced some sort of shockwave.

With many of us still reeling from financial losses, job losses, and housing losses, it is no wonder that our personal comfort has all but disappeared.

The truth is, while the degree of discomfort we have suffered varies, few, if any of us, have been spared entirely.

Even when we think one person has it easier than another, research tells us otherwise.

For example, we know that losing a job, particularly for those in the 50+ age group, is a direct cause of depression and anxiety.

However, research also shows that people who fear losing their jobs may actually have more health problems than those who lost them.

Although our level of discomfort may go up or down in the days ahead, evidence points to it being with us for a time to come.

Knowing this, it is vital that we redefine what comfort means to us so that we can bring it into our lives once again.

While this may sound daunting, the truth is that although the events that happen around us may create our discomfort, it is our internal thinking that governs the way we handle this discomfort.

For example, one individual may lose a job and respond with severe anxiety while another may respond with some degree of anticipation as to what new pathways lay ahead.

In either case, a degree of discomfort is present and finding a way to reestablish comfort in our lives is critical to our well being.

We all need ways to calm down, relax, de-stress, and go with the flow.

In the good old days, this may have meant taking a weeklong vacation to the Caribbean or booking ourselves into a Five Star spa.

Today we may choose less costly routes, but it is possible to redefine comfort in these challenging economic times.

In fact, it is essential.

Some of our creature comforts can be easily met with affordable chocolates or a glass of Italian Prosecco.

But, it is harder to find antidotes to the tough stuff: loss of finances, job insecurity, strife with significant others, or health problem related to stress.

In these cases, the attaining of comfort is not so simple; yet it is not impossible.

The first thing you can do to reestablish comfort in your life is to communicate honestly with the people closest to you.

While this type of conversation is not easy, let me offer six practical steps that you can take right now to get the discussion going:

1. Re-define what comfort means to you in the face of less money, more fear, and added uncertainty

·         Write down everything you are willing to spend money for that will bring you comfort.

1. Identify the area of discomfort that is affecting you the most.

·         Look at these four areas of your life: finances, personal relationships, career, and health.

1. Identify the one area that is most uncomfortable for you right now.

1. Describe your degree of discomfort with this area by selecting a number on a 1-10 scale.

·         1 = most uncomfortable, 10 = very comfortable

1. Identify three or four individuals to make up your support team.

·         Choose wisely. Trust is a big factor, and skills and demeanor count, as does the ability to be objective.

1. Brainstorm with your support team. Create just one action you can take to bring your number up a notch.

Once you’ve completed these steps, take that action and monitor the results over several months.

Then ask yourself, “Did my discomfort number from 1-10 come up a notch or two?”

If so, celebrate.

If not, brainstorm for a new action to be taken in the days ahead.

In any case, you are on your way to heightened comfort due to the fact that you are taking a forward-moving action.

Comfort can return to you just one step at a time.

We’re in your corner!

(c) 2009, Franchise Coaching Systems