Health is Wealth
by Louise Lavergne
I recently read about the latest American epidemic: Money Anxiety Disorder which creates the acronym M.A.D. Though each individual is affected in varying degrees, we are all feeling the impact of M.A.D. As the market continues to waiver, the stress levels are going up. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that “80% of us are finding the financial crisis a significant cause of stress.” A year ago it was reported to be 66%. I suspect that it may be higher but stress can be a subtle condition and people often don’t realize that it is affecting their health until the impact causes serious physical illness or major emotional issues! Stress is linked to 90% of illness and disease according to reports by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
M.A.D. has to do with the breakdown of what we have come to count on to feel secure: a nest egg, a job and a home. Positive reminders such as: “Your net worth doesn’t equal your personal worth,” can help deflect the paralysis and insecurity that financial panic can cause but we need a little more than that. We need to rebuild our sense of security from the inside out. Yoga and Meditation practices give us tools to not only diffuse stress but also to restore our foundation from the core of our being. The fact is that our economy is currently unwell. There are many factors out of our control. The one thing we can take control of is our personal wellness program. Most of us are in “cut back” mode and we need to choose what we discard wisely. Taking the time for self-care is crucial. We need to remember that "Health is Wealth."
Most exercise programs can be beneficial in relieving stress but we need to make the most of the time we invest. The main key to remember is: while you are exercising, if your attention is on watching TV or listening to the radio with the steady reports on the “Economic Crisis,” your stress levels may not improve.
Tips to make your exercise time more effective in lowering stress
• Don’t disconnect from your body during your workout by reading or watching TV especially the news.
• Mindful breathing can help you stay connected with your body and state of mind. This can also improve the result of your work out.
• Focus on something that is positive and makes you feel good.
• Use music you enjoy while you are exercising and if you can, choose a setting that inspires you. For example if you are walking or running; go to a park, or trail. Be grateful for all the beauty we have around us in this Valley
• Make workout time worry free time. Decide to take that time to focus on feeling better and clearing your mind
• Drink plenty of water.
• Start and end you workout time with three slow, belly breaths.
• Do something you enjoy.
It is crucial now more than ever to take charge of our own well-being because that is truly our wealth that no stock market can affect. How we deal with stress on a daily basis, moment to moment is important especially in times of acute stress. It keeps our foundation strong no matter what happens around us.
Louise Lavergne is the owner of JoyFull Yoga in Jacksonville, Oregon. She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 20 years.
by Louise Lavergne
I recently read about the latest American epidemic: Money Anxiety Disorder which creates the acronym M.A.D. Though each individual is affected in varying degrees, we are all feeling the impact of M.A.D. As the market continues to waiver, the stress levels are going up. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that “80% of us are finding the financial crisis a significant cause of stress.” A year ago it was reported to be 66%. I suspect that it may be higher but stress can be a subtle condition and people often don’t realize that it is affecting their health until the impact causes serious physical illness or major emotional issues! Stress is linked to 90% of illness and disease according to reports by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
M.A.D. has to do with the breakdown of what we have come to count on to feel secure: a nest egg, a job and a home. Positive reminders such as: “Your net worth doesn’t equal your personal worth,” can help deflect the paralysis and insecurity that financial panic can cause but we need a little more than that. We need to rebuild our sense of security from the inside out. Yoga and Meditation practices give us tools to not only diffuse stress but also to restore our foundation from the core of our being. The fact is that our economy is currently unwell. There are many factors out of our control. The one thing we can take control of is our personal wellness program. Most of us are in “cut back” mode and we need to choose what we discard wisely. Taking the time for self-care is crucial. We need to remember that "Health is Wealth."
Most exercise programs can be beneficial in relieving stress but we need to make the most of the time we invest. The main key to remember is: while you are exercising, if your attention is on watching TV or listening to the radio with the steady reports on the “Economic Crisis,” your stress levels may not improve.
Tips to make your exercise time more effective in lowering stress
• Don’t disconnect from your body during your workout by reading or watching TV especially the news.
• Mindful breathing can help you stay connected with your body and state of mind. This can also improve the result of your work out.
• Focus on something that is positive and makes you feel good.
• Use music you enjoy while you are exercising and if you can, choose a setting that inspires you. For example if you are walking or running; go to a park, or trail. Be grateful for all the beauty we have around us in this Valley
• Make workout time worry free time. Decide to take that time to focus on feeling better and clearing your mind
• Drink plenty of water.
• Start and end you workout time with three slow, belly breaths.
• Do something you enjoy.
It is crucial now more than ever to take charge of our own well-being because that is truly our wealth that no stock market can affect. How we deal with stress on a daily basis, moment to moment is important especially in times of acute stress. It keeps our foundation strong no matter what happens around us.
Louise Lavergne is the owner of JoyFull Yoga in Jacksonville, Oregon. She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 20 years.
