Find peace amid stress

You can worry about the future or you can accept the challenge of economic change

Whether we’ve lost a job or are working extra hard to be indispensable, the economy is changing the way many of us live, often in ways we can’t control — and it’s stressing us out.

"The only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper," said Roger Olson, a Boise psychologist who is seeing clients facing financial challenges of all sorts.

During these challenging times, accept change and look for the opportunities it brings, Olson says. For instance, consider eating at home or going for a walk with your family. You’ll not only save money, but also get reacquainted with the other people who live in your house — you know, your family.

"We are very bad predictors about what will make us happy," said Olson, who is part of the Idaho Psychological Association’s "shrink tank," which provides speakers on all things psychological to Treasure Valley organizations.

"Maybe it will take tough economic times to teach us that money truly cannot buy happiness," Olson said. "It is the things money cannot buy, those priceless things, that give us the most joy and meaning," he said.

Olson said you can drill down through his advice to its core — the ubiquitous Serenity Prayer. It has deep ties to Alcoholics Anonymous, but it contains in a few short sentences the information everyone needs to thrive, Olson said.

The prayer is, "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference."

It is advice we need. Money and the economy are top sources of stress for 80 percent of Americans, according to a recent poll by the American Psychological Association.

Studies have shown that extreme stress can adversely affect our health.

Studies blame stress for everything from acne and fatigue to headaches, depression and increased risk of cancer and heart disease.

David Hovde, co-owner of Liberty Motors along Fairview Avenue in Boise, works 60 hours a week selling golf carts and small, streamlined trailers. When the going gets tough, Coke, chocolate and Jolly Rancher candies help Hovde keep going.

The faltering economy is not good for business. People are fearful about job loss, pay cuts or overdue mortgage payments and don’t spend the way they once did.

And the added responsibility of co-owning a business makes it harder to leave workplace cares at the office when he locks up at night, Hovde said.

The Idaho Psychological Association annually picks the most psychologically healthy workplaces in the state. The American Psychological Association then picks the best of the best from each state’s offerings.

Healthwise, a health-information company based in Boise, was a state and national winner in 2007. In addition, The Wall Street Journal put Healthwise on a list of the best small workplaces in the nation, spokeswoman Tara Lineberry said.

Healthwise floats to the top by giving its approximately 200 full- and part-time workers a say in corporate decision-making. Twice a year, employees anonymously fill out surveys on what works — and what doesn’t — in the organization. The surveys are posted for all to read, with names of individuals blanked out to protect privacy.

Those surveys have resulted in a variety of innovations, including a parents’ group that meets regularly off-site.

The company has a workout facility with locker rooms and showers. It lets workers bring their dogs to work so employees can take breaks with their canine companions in the nearby Foothills.

CEO Don Kemper and President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Giuffre meet every six weeks with a licensed professional counselor.

"The purpose of the sessions is to keep the CEO’s and president’s efforts in sync and their communication with each other open, honest and productive," Lineberry said.


What if you can't pay for counseling?

Boise Family Psychology, at 3775 N. Eagle Road in Boise has an adjusted fee policy that takes into account income levels and ability to pay. Call
938-1236.

Home remedies for stress

- Exercise
- Eat healthy
- Spend time with family, friends, spiritual community
- Take 10 minute breaks to relax, breathe and read something inspirational.
- Play. You are never to old to have fun, be silly, laugh, and do something you enjoy.
- Volunteer. Practice giving your time and talents in service to your community. Your life will be richer. 
Source: Dr. Roger Olson, Boise Family Psychology.

Trying to reduce your stress level?

Little things can help you:
Listen to music
Exercise
Go outside
Play with a pet
Laugh or cry
Spend time with someone you love
Write, draw or paint
Pray or go to church
Take a bath or shower
Work in your yard or do home repairs
Do yoga, meditation or muscle relaxation

Or hurt you:
Drive fast
Eat too much or too little
Bite your fingernails
Drink too much coffee
Criticize yourself
Avoid people
Yell at your spouse, children or friends
Smoke
Drink alcohol
Take drugs
Get violent or aggressive

Source: "Healthwise Handbook: A Self-Care Guide for You and Your Family."