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Coping with Uncertain Times

Written by: Brian Madigan

Article Overview: Hints and tips to help you weather the current economic crises or any unexpected financial downturn.

Coping with Uncertain Times

Times are uncertain. Coping with insecurity about your business or employment is one of the primary sources of work-related stress faced by many people. This article is intended to help you understand how to improve your response to uncertainty so that you can reduce your stress levels and be prepared for anything that life throws your way. One of the most important things you can do to reduce the stress you may be feeling due to the current financial downturn is to moderate your exposure to the doom and gloom forecasts in the media. Yes, these are difficult times. No one knows how long they will last. What we can be certain of is that things will get better eventually. Find a healthy balance so that you can stay informed without allowing all the bad news to create a state of constant stress. We are going through a significant shift. It isn't the end of the world.

It is also very important to accept that there are some things you simply can't change. If you find yourself worrying about something that is clearly out of your control, practice some deep diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes, or get outside and exercise. Even listening to uplifting music can refocus your mind. Positive thoughts and intentions are the key to keeping yourself healthy and chasing your worries away.

Another thing you can do to ease your stress about an uncertain future is to be prepared for the challenges ahead. One of the best ways to prepare for a possible economic crisis is to honestly evaluate your financial situation. Very few people enjoy taking a hard look at their finances, but it is the best place to start. Make a list of all your income sources and all the expenses you currently have. Take your time and really understand where your money is going. Once you've done that, be reasonable and figure out what you can cut back on or cut out. As soon as you have the complete picture, make the cuts and bank your savings. You may not be able to prevent a crisis but you

will put yourself in a much better position to deal with one.

Don't forget to take care of yourself. Bolster your optimism by spending time doing things you like. Make sure you include some money in your budget for things that support your well-being like exercise, eating right, getting energy work or having a massage. Keeping yourself healthy will not only help you perform better at work, but it will put you in a great position to handle any crisis that might come along.

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Article Tags: bad news, challenges, diaphragmatic breathing, difficult times, doom and gloom, downturn, economic crisis, few minutes, financial situation, important things, income sources, insecurity, nbsp, positive thoughts, primary sources, stress levels, uncertain future, uncertainty, work related stress, worries



Related Forum Posts
Re: Info for would be franchisers... - [quote="Sebastien":1d29sdv1]Like Franchise Times, Franchise Update is a very practical magazine. There is no blah blah, just straight facts that anyone in the franchise community can relate to. I just want to mention that all these magazines are NOT franchisee oriented. I mean these magazines are for franchise professionals. If you're looking to buy a franchise, you won't find much information in there. To answer your question, getting published in Franchise Times was fairly easy. I don't want to brag too much but I think I am known in the franchise industry. I was the marketing guy at Franchise.com for a few years before joining my new company, the World Franchising Network. So people know me and I have a very good relationship with Nancy Weingartner, the Managing Editor at Franchise Times. I was talking with her at the last Franchise Expo South in Miami and she mentioned she'd like me to be profiled. I was like "ok, sure!". I like this franchise executive profile thing in Franchise Times as it is rarely BS. People are usually really natural in there.[/quote:1d29sdv1] Thanks for the follow up Sebastien! And I can't say that I'm surprised that networking with the right people and managing your relationships with them properly are the keys to being published. I guess the old adage holds true of "it's not who you know, but who knows you" that's important.
Does a New Company need a "Big" PR firm? - I've started work with a brand new company that is going to do loss mitigation. My boss intends to hire a "big" PR firm - ie one that costs a lot of money - because he wants press releases sent out to the New York Times, the LA Times - all the major papers around the country - and he think they'll be more likely to print them if they come from a "big" firm as opposed to a one-person PR firm. I think it doesn't matter where the press release comes from as long as its well written. What are the opinions here?
Re: Does a New Company need a "Big" PR firm? - [quote="OmnivoreInk":dmj1i0sv]I've started work with a brand new company that is going to do loss mitigation. My boss intends to hire a "big" PR firm - ie one that costs a lot of money - because he wants press releases sent out to the New York Times, the LA Times - all the major papers around the country - and he think they'll be more likely to print them if they come from a "big" firm as opposed to a one-person PR firm. I think it doesn't matter where the press release comes from as long as its well written. What are the opinions here?[/quote:dmj1i0sv] I think the most important factor is whether your press release will reach the most number of your target audience or not. It won't matter if the press release is well written if no one has the opportunity to read it. I also believe that credibility comes with having your press release in an established source like The New York Times, LA Times, etc... For instance, if you enjoyed playing tennis, who would you trust more? The advice from a recreational tennis player who has his own column in [i:dmj1i0sv]Tennis Magazine[/i:dmj1i0sv] [u:dmj1i0sv]or[/u:dmj1i0sv] the recreational tennis player who has his own blog? I don't know about you, but I'd listen to the guy on [i:dmj1i0sv]Tennis Magazine[/i:dmj1i0sv] over the blog owner at least 9 out of 10 times.
Re: Does a New Company need a "Big" PR firm? - I agree with Kevin [quote:3b8fyubd]I think the most important factor is whether your press release will reach the most number of your target audience or not.[/quote:3b8fyubd] You dont a big company that will charge mega bucks as Im sure they will even add a %age to the cost of the press release. Im sure if you approach New York Times, the LA Times with every thing presented professionally I think it will still stand the same chance. I would start advertising online, then locally thats when the NYT can see what there missing out on! And to test the water first!
Re: Info for would be franchisers... - I concur with the above posters. Franchise Times is a very good industry publication.


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