Everyday wellness: Finding the upside in a downturn

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the news?

Although we all know it’s important to stay informed about the world around us, we can all agree, the news can sometimes be too much. We have to filter the constant barrage of negative information to search for the positive news. It’s also vital to feel we can ‘do something’ amidst the prevailing chaos to bring a sense of order and well-being back into our lives, while reaching out to help ourselves or others during times of turbulence.

COVID. Civil unrest. Shortages. Resignations. War. Market volatility. Inflation. And a possible recession?

The stuff of Hollywood. So we would like to think. Yep. These are the issues of the day causing many of us to experience angst and feel out of control. Overwhelmed. It can feel beyond us. 

Or, is it beyond us? 
 
So how can we find the upside in a downturn? First, it is vital to realize that although we cannot change the world alone, we can make a difference. We can choose to be mindful of what matters, shift our thinking and in some instances, take action to change our corner of the world for the better.  

How? 

Firstly, take stock in what you do have. Shifting our mindset is key. Our brains are wired to assess the negative in our environment to survive. I propose we choose to think a little differently so we can rise above the noise and learn to thrive. Recognizing the good in our lives brings us comfort. Getting outside of ourselves to help others can increase our happiness. What is good in your life right now? Grab a pen and paper to jot down all the good in your life.  

Then, there is COVID, which has brought out harsh realities that we wished to have never gone through. I propose we practice less fear and more love while learning to make peace, learning to live in a post-pandemic world.

Although street protests and civil unrest has quieted, the voices for racial justice have not. There is still much work to be done. Here are some ways you can help support disaster relief and battle injustice here and abroad. U.S. Civil Unrest - Center for Disaster Philanthropy⁵

Thanks to the past few years, food, housing, lumber, cars, furniture, services, logistics, labor and more are all in short supply. Slowly some of these shortages are easing up but may likely be with us for a while. Is a recession on its way? Who knows? For now let’s recycle, reuse and reassess what we really need vs. what we want.

The Great Resignation Didn’t Start with the Pandemic (hbr.org)^₄ According to Harvard University, “…it’s the continuation of a trend of rising quit rates that began more than a decade ago. Five main factors are at play in this trend; retirement, relocation, reconsideration, reshuffling and reluctance."  All of these factors, the authors argue, are here to stay. What changes are you making to your work life that can also impact your personal life? 

As for the political unrest in Ukraine, if you so desire, research reputable non-profits in the business of helping the Ukrainian people right now. Donate your time or money to support the people directly affected by this war. According to Oprah, here are 5 ways you can take action today to help: Support Ukraine Right Now with These 5 Resources (oprahdaily.com) ¹

All of these things and more are also impacting the financial markets. As history has shown, market volatility is normal and the best advice: stay calm and stay the course. Investing is a long-term prospect and when markets slide downward, taking a long-term view is more likely to lead to achieving your goals. Patience and time are key. 

And lastly, inflation. The best way to take on inflation is to take on your budget. Watch: Creating a budget | Voya.com² and then, use the budget calculator to find balance between your needs, wants and savings. And to keep up with inflation, consider investing. Read: Ways to help protect your retirement against inflation with a plan built to last | Voya Financial Blog.³ When you plan, you can feel better about your future.

Taking whatever positive actions you can now, will help you cope with the constant changes all around us and help you see the upside of any downturn. Resilience can help you rebound from chaos more quickly to find a better sense of well-being. We think that’s priceless. 

So…what will you do to change your world, today?