It's the Economy, Right?

Eighty percent of Americans in September of 2008 said the economy was a source of stress – up from 66% in April of 2008. Forty-nine percent said they felt nervous, anxious or depressed because of all the negative news. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics 5.1 million jobs have been lost since December of 2007. The national unemployment rate is 10% and could rise to 12% by fall of 2009. To add to this far from happy picture, 1 in 12 homeowners are losing their homes to foreclosure.

This gloom and doom is enough to drive anyone to eat a whole bag of chocolate chip cookies, or to the nearest fast food drive-in for relief. For anyone seeking healthier, more long lasting relief please pick up a copy of Intentional JOY – see below.

According to James Breckenridge, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, “negative information is stickier” and we give it more credibility. In the past, it was not only useful, but life saving to scan the environment constantly for potential threats. Today however, most problems aren’t life threatening, in the short term anyway. This tendency to select for the negative exacerbates stress and anxiety. Stress may not kill us today, but if left untreated, it can become what Dr. Pamela Peeke, M.D. and author of Fight Fat After Forty calls “toxic stress.” Stress becomes toxic “…when it never allows the body to shut down the stress response and can result in self-destructive behaviors, such as overeating, alcohol or drug abuse.”

Here’s a quick tip to flip that the negative economic news around and feel better in the process:

Reframe and Retrain: We may not have control over how the news is reported, but we do have choice about how it’s perceived. Reframing is a term used in psychology and coaching that means changing a statement or belief from the negative to the positive. With practice our brain becomes retrained to more automatically scan for what’s working, what’s hopeful and more positive. Be patient, because changing any habit or behavior takes about 21 days of repeating the new behavior.

Here’s how easy it is to reframe. Look at the negative economic statistics from paragraph one again and let’s flip them on their heads:

1) Five point one million jobs have been lost since December of 2007.

The Reframe: Millions more are employed than unemployed.

2) The national unemployment rate is 10% and expected to go to 12% by the fall of 2009.

The Reframe: Eight-eight to 99% of Americans are still employed, have found new jobs or started their own business.

3) One in 12 homeowners have or are losing their homes to foreclosure.

The Reframe: Eleven homeowners out of 12 are retaining their homes.

Personal Note

How many of you think that getting older means having a certain amount of shoulder, neck and hip discomfort?

If you’re having physical discomfort – hip, knee, shoulder or neck pain and have been told there’s nothing that can be done or just live with it, I have GREAT NEWS for you.

I have had hip pain for a couple of months exacerbated by my ZOOMBA dance class – if you liked Jazzercize, you’ll love Zoomba (check with your gym). Then my good friend Victoria, told me about Pain FREE by Pete Egoscue. I’ve been using the practices for two weeks and I am 98% pain free.

I highly recommend the book and the approach. It takes about 30-45 minutes a day – morning is the best time – until you’re PAIN FREE and then there’s a quicker maintenance routine.

How much would you like to be Pain FREE? You can order from Amazon or through local bookstores.

This Month's Spotlight

Lori Crivelli, Owner/Agent Crivelli Insurance Services, Nationwide Insurance 1572 Fulkerth Rd., Turlock, CA 95380(209) 668-3319

Lori started her insurance business in 1993. She has won several production awards, in a male dominated profession. She challenges herself to keep up with the big boys.
Lori is really sharp and follows up relentlessly. I’ve known her for four years and if she says she’s going to do something, she does it. She analyzes your insurance needs and then makes the best recommendation.

Thrive in ’09 Group Coaching Program:

We now have 8 incredibly motivated, action oriented women in this exciting group who are getting these kind of results:

“I sold over $100,000 in 1 month which exceeded my goal substantially and was the largest month in a year and a half. What Lynn helped me find within myself, helped me achieve this monumental feat!”
Lynn Quijada-Splan, The Warden’s Office, Modesto, CA
(209) 758-6730

There are still two spots open in this group. Just call for more information!!

Free for You

7 ½ Tips to Turn Stress into JOY – If you’re ready to relax, de-stress and feel better FAST Go to www.lynntelfordsahl.com and register under the 7 1/2 tips at top right of homepage. You will receive 3-5 minute STRESS Busting/JOY Enhancing audio tips every other day for 8 days. Ah….better already.

FREE Monthly Master Mind Teleseminar March 26 7:00 – 7:45

Master Minding is a combination of focusing on your goals along with meditation and stress reducing imagery. Magic happens when two or more are gathered together. The group is 45 minutes and is accessed by calling this bridge line: 616-597-8000 Access Code: 932084# Tell your friends!!

Upcoming Events

May 6th: 3 Tips to Turn Economic Stress & Anxiety into Freedom – eWomen, Roseville, CA (www.eWomennetwork.com)

May 19: 23 Book Tour Bend Oregon sponsored by The Sol Center’s President Joan Dudley.

June 3: 3 Tips to Turn Economic Stress & Anxiety into Freedom – eWomen, Elk Grove, CA (www.eWomennetwork.com)