How To Be Healthy During These Tough Economic Times

Article by Heather Cozen, MS MFTI

A few years ago, I composed a list titled “Resources for Living Cheaper, Greener, Happier and Sexier in Los Angeles.” It is my belief that to be a balanced individual, we must nurture our minds, bodies and spirits. Never has there been a more important time, with the economy as it is, to pull out this awesome list and put it to great use. While many of us are out of a job, looking for jobs, fearing we may lose our job or working really hard so we won’t lose our jobs, it detrimental that we strive for balance so we don’t lose our minds!

Because some of you reading this article will not live in Los Angeles, I will make my suggestions more general so that these things can be found in most cites. However, if you are interested in reading the Los Angeles list, visit my blog at http://heathercozen.blogspot.com/ where you will find my full list. Below are just a few ways to maintain balance in a cost effective way.

FOOD:

Cook! Cooking can not only save you money, but can also be fun, creative, and allow you to feel more connected to what you put in your body. Also, it can really impress someone you are dating or in a relationship with if you have some sweet cooking skills!

FARMER’S MARKETS are a great way to find fresh, locally grown and often organic food. It may not be the cheapest shopping option, but it is high quality and much cheaper than going out to eat. Internet search Farmer’s Markets and the name of the city you live in to find the closest one to you.

HOLISTIC HEALING:

While it may seem like a luxury to receive a massage, acupuncture or chiropractic work, there are ways to do it for a low fee.

TRADE SCHOOLS often offer healings for a low price, performed by students practicing their trade. Acupuncture schools usually charge less than half of what a normal acupuncturist will charge, and are always supervised by a Master Acupuncturist. Massage and chiropractic schools also offer sessions at a low rate. Again, internet search “massage schools,” “acupuncture schools” or “chiropractic schools” and the name of your city to inquire about sessions with students.

BROOKSTONE or other stores that sell massage chairs will usually let you sample their products for free. If you are feeling tense, stop by your local mall and relax in one of these high tech chairs. The technology has gotten really advanced these days and these chairs are heavenly!

COUNSELING:

As an MFT Intern, I know how extensive the training and experience is to get to this point. There are many counseling centers that offer low fee and even free counseling conducted by interns working towards getting their counseling license. These counselors are also supervised by registered Therapists and Psychologists for fantastic support.

COUNSELING CENTERS can be found by searching online for “low fee counseling centers” and the name of your city. Big cities will have many options of places to go, that may specialize in different types of therapy, so choose according to what you are looking for.

CLOTHING:

How can you be fashionable with little money?

SECOND HAND SHOPS have become much classier these days. While it used to be embarrassing to say your clothes were from a thrift shop, now it makes you hip and creative! And cost effective! Again, internet search for second hand stores in your area and have fun!

CLOTHING EXCHANGES can be organized with your friends! Invite a bunch of your friends over and tell them to bring all the clothes they don’t wear anymore. Put them in the center of a large room and have at it! You get amazing free clothes and whatever no one wants, take to a local thrift store or drop box.

BEAUTY:

BEAUTY SCHOOLS, much like acupuncture, massage and chiropractic schools, offer very low priced haircuts, manicures, pedicures and even facials. Internet search local beauty schools to find out if they offer this.

MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUTY PRODUCTS. There are literally zillions of websites like this, just do a search of Homemade Beauty Remedies and begin making natural products from things you already have in your kitchen or can buy for very cheap.

ENTERTAINMENT:

THE LIBRARY will often let you use the internet for free there, check out countless books, rent CDs and movies!

CLASSES:

LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES offer classes for a very low fee. You can indulge in any hobby you have always been interested in without putting a dent in your wallet.

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS are offered at many yoga studios and are often half price of a normal yoga class. Call various yoga studios and see which have lower fee classes. Some studios may also give you a discount if you are a student.

EXERCISE:

Talk walks outside. Go into nature and move your body!

I hope this list has proved to be helpful for you! I would love to hear feedback if you try any of these things out!

Tags: be healthy with little money, low cost, save money, stay healthy in bad economic times, wellness

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