We’ve all heard of PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – an anxiety disorder caused by stressful or scary events we experience which rock us to our very core. And if the events of the past year don’t qualify as stressful or scary, I’m not sure anything does.
It’s quite likely that some of us are or will experience PTSD as a result of what we’re living through.
But, psychologists believe that up to 89% of people can also experience another reaction to these horrible events, called Post Traumatic Growth.
Scientists define PTG as 'positive psychological changes experienced as a result of these same adversities or challenges that can cause PTSD'. These changes can lead to a higher level of functioning, a different way of seeing the world and an increase in personal drive, emotional strength and resilience.
So how can we harness the trauma of the past 12 months, our reflection and reactions to it, to improve our money situation and end the pandemic in a better place than we started it? Here's our 5 top tips...
1. Give yourself a break
Be kind to yourself, show some self-compassion. Nobody has had a great time this year, and that’s OK. There is no corona expert to tell us how we should be dealing with all this crap. Just deal with it in the way that feels best for you. Give yourself time and space.
2. Accept where you’re at
You are where you are. Maybe you lost your job this year. Maybe your savings have taken a hit. Maybe you had to move back in with your parents. Your starting point is just that, a starting point – and we all have to start somewhere.
Forgive yourself for all that’s gone before, and focus on moving forward from where you are now.
3. Take stock
What has changed for you this year? What has 2020 taught you about what is/isn’t important to you? Chances are you’ve cut people/activities/things out of your life that you may never have imagined doing previously. And I bet some of this streamlining felt good.
4. Dream big
What new possibilities have opened up for you? Do you have new goals and priorities? What are they? Maybe things you never ever thought of before.
5. Commit
You are strong and determined. You made it this far, through lockdown, through furlough, through redundancy, through illness – keep moving forward. You can make other changes too. Start new, positive habits today.
By doing these 5 things you can start to move forward with purpose and take real practical steps towards a more fruitful future.
See how beanstalk can help you here.
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