Kirk Laman, D.O.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Michigan State University-College of Osteopathic Medicine

Are you experiencing the effects of the recession? If you haven't noticed it has been in the news everywhere. A recession is brewing! The real estate market is in shambles. Many people have been laid off of their jobs.

A recent MSN report suggests that the economy has really been heading south in Florida. (A little pun there)

(http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/WhereARecessionHasAlreadyHitHard.aspx)

Have you had this experience yet? Has your heart been troubled by the fear of a recession?

Well you don't have to worry. If you're willing to take the time and put in some effort you can avoid some of the emotional trauma of living through a recession. I'd like to offer some ways to make your heart recession proof. What do I mean by that? I mean that strategies exist for overcoming fear and dealing with anxiety, particularly dread over what is happening in the outside world. Even if our outer circumstances are deplorable, our response to them doesn't have to make us depressed.

Here are some things you can do to make your heart recession proof.

1. Shut off the Television and Disconnect the Radio

Fear sells. Mayhem boosts ratings. We all know that the media thrives on bad news. Nothing increases viewers like a good disaster. Don't buy into the fear and anxiety. If you find your pulse quickening when you listen to the radio or watch television then avoid them. Focus your mind on what is upbeat and positive. Most of the news is just news. If you haven't lost your job then don't worry, but if the media frenzy makes you dizzy then avoid it.

2. Practice Gratitude

We all have reasons to be thankful. Most of us have plenty to eat. Generally, we have a roof over our heads. Even if our world has been turned upside down because we're out of work or some one close to us has passed away- if we're still breathing we have something. Finding something to feel grateful about and expressing these feelings of gratitude has been shown to lift the mood of people. It can keep our hearts on an even keel.

A good way to practice this skill is when you get up in the morning and you're driving to work, to think of one think that you have that makes you feel grateful. It could be your significant other. It might be your dog. Just spend a few moments and feel thankful. It can change your outlook completely.

3. Check out from Life Regularly

Most people don't plan down time. But it’s essential for keeping our hearts and minds sane. One way for you to keep from feeling totally burned out is to schedule 1-2 hours weekly that is just for yourself. You'll want to check out completely from life. Find an activity where you have absolutely no pressure to do anything. It could be going to the movies by yourself. It may be taking a walk with your dog.

For me it’s going to the bookstore. A trip to Barnes and Noble or Borders with no agenda- where I have nothing in particular to do gets me relaxed.

It doesn't matter what activity you do, but plan to check out regularly. What relaxes you?

4. Learn to Become More Heart Centered

Have you ever felt really connected? It could have been with a spouse, your child, or just while out in nature. You know what I'm talking about. It's those times when you experience a feeling of heart opening of expansion in the chest. It's what I call being heart centered. Becoming more heart centered is an excellent way to make your heart recession proof. Being heart centered means you become more open. It asks you to embrace greater intimacy, intimacy with others, and also with yourself.

If you become more heart centered it can improve your health. You'll be less likely to be overwhelmed by stress. It can reduce your chances of getting an illness.

Various techniques for heart centering are available. Meditation is good. Guided imagery is very helpful. So is the method I teach called Sufi Remembrance. The key to becoming more heart centered is to find a method you feel comfortable with and then begin practicing it everyday.

I hope you consider trying these methods for making your heart recession proof.