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29 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Economic Downturn

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Health

Many are feeling the sting of this economic downturn. The economy isn’t doing as well as some would have you believe. I am feeling the sting and as a result I have cut back on many things. The things I was able to do a year ago at this time, I cannot do now.

Some people are not feeling the sting, but most are feeling it. A You Tuber sent me a message months ago, telling me that she wanted to eat vegan, but she could not afford it.

You’re probably thinking, “How can you not afford to eat vegan or healthier for that matter?” The reality is that the price of food and the cost of living is going up, seems like almost daily and the wages are remaining the same.

Because things are going up so fast and the value of the dollar is going down, it is expensive and hard for some to keep up. Don’t let this hinder you, because you don’t have to buy everything organic and you can keep things simple.

I must admit, purchasing organic is good, but when you can’t afford it, it is best to get the non-organic version, clean it well and keep it moving.

Staying healthy is more than the foods you eat.  The foods you put in your body is only a part of your staying healthy.  Ask yourself, “How is my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health during this time?”

I published a post about eating healthy during the economic downturn, I had no I idea that one year later, the downturn would still be happening, but it is.

It is worse now than it was a year ago. Don’t be fooled! So here I am writing about it again.  Here’s twenty-nine (29) ways to stay healthy during economic downturn/recession:

  1. Eat at home. There’s nothing better than a home cooked meal.

  2. Exercise at home, cut out the gym membership (take a power walk).

  3. Keep your meals simple and use simple ingredients.

  4. Shop around for the best bargains.

  5. Buy from Farmers Markets.

  6. Reduce the amount of organic foods you buy.

  7. Buy in bulk (non-perishable items, especially).

  8. Buy items that are on sale.

  9. Buy the store brand of supplements, can goods, etc.

  10. Drive less, walk more (if possible).

  11. Buy only what you need.

  12. Focus on the positive and less on the negative.

  13. Cut down your television viewing time.

  14. Spend time with your family and friends.

  15. Use coupons and discounts to your advantage.

  16. Go to the park, relax and enjoy watching the children play.

  17. Keep stress and stressors low.

  18. Smile, it could be worse.

  19. Don’t shut yourself off from others. Everyone needs someone.

  20. Talk it out and express your feelings. Don’t keep things bottled up inside you.

  21. Don’t focus on not having the money to get the things you want, just be thankful that you have the things you need.

  22. Take advantage of free services (community activity centers, libraries, etc.)

  23. Pray, meditate and do deep breathing.

  24. Read inspirational and motivating books.

  25. If you have neighbors you are close with, have an occasional potluck.

  26. Slack up on eating out.

  27. Make your own homemade marinades, sauces, salad dressings and other foods from scratch.

  28. Try not to worry, it won’t add anything to your situation.

  29. Use wisdom in all things you do!

Discussion: What are some other ways to stay healthy during this economic downturn?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Great tips though I have to warn sometimes it can be healthier for you physically and mentally to get away from certain family members and friends.

    • Hey Msfullroller,

      I lol when I read your comment, because this is true. I’m fortunate in that area, because I know if I was around certain family members, I’d probably have more grey hair than I already have. 🙂 So glad you shared this!

      Take care!

      P.S. Slowly, but surely working on that debt snowball. 🙂

  2. This is so true! All of should really be practical on all things and we should all have back-up plans. Thank you for sharing this.. Good job!

  3. Hi Evelyn, some really good tips! Another tip based on tip number 7 ‘Buying in Bulk’ is where you get a few friends together and combine your money to get even better discounts. I’ve done this before and it really creates a team spirit, a bit like creating your own Groupon deal.

    • Thanks for sharing the info about Pinterest. I have an account, but I rarely use it, guess I’d better start using it. 😉

      Thanks again!

      Evelyn

  6. Hi, just a few more suggestions to add to your great ideas:

    1. Get rid of cable – there is nothing worthwile to watch anyway
    2. Do something nice or charitable for someone else – there is no better way to forget your own troubles than to help someone else in need. 100% guaranteed!
    3. Hang your laundry on the line – I started doing this and have saved +/- $25 per month on my electricity bill. And you just can’t beat the fresh smell!
    4. Make your own homemade/non-toxic cleaners – stop buying the expensive store bought cleaners and make your own. For example, vinegar and baking soda are wonderful cleaners that are non-toxic and cheap! There are lots of websites out there with recipes and how-to instructions.
    5. Buy things you need from a thrift store, craigslist or even ebay. I can’t tell you how many bargains I have found shopping this way. You don’t have to pay full price at retail stores to get nice, quality, gently used items.
    6. Declutter and purge! Look around your home and ask yourself – do I really need this? There are so many things in your home you don’t need or even use that could be sold or given to charity. I recently did a purge and sold over $9,000 of household items on craigslist. You will feel so much better without all the “stuff” you have that is dragging you down. Let it go. Purge. Simplify.
    7. Library – your suggestion of the library is great! Not only can you check out free movies and magazines, you can even check out current DVD’s! Cancel your movie subscription, movie outings and DVD rentals.
    8. Grown your own small garden or container garden – having to cut back on organic produce? Grow your own! There are lots of things that can be grown in a container or even small square foot garden. Just make sure you get non-gmo seeds.
    9. Do you really need 2 vehicles? While this may not be an option for everyone, it is certainly something to consider. We recently went from a 2 car family to a 1 car family. While at times it may be inconvenient or a challenge to coordinate, the $350+ monthly savings makes it worth it.
    10. Most importantly, increase your faith life. Spend more time in prayer and focusing on God and He will see you through any trial or storm. He will not give you more than you can handle.

    Hang in there everyone! We will get through these hard times.

    • Hi Benedictus!

      Wow, thanks for sharing!

      Number 10 is one of the most important. Because if I have no faith and don’t pray, then it will be very hard to stand the storm.

      Thanks for the encouragement.

      Take care,

      Evelyn