survival stategies for the new millennium

Well, it's January 2000 and the world hasn't ended yet!  In fact, you are faced with the same stresses and fast paced lifestyle you were dealing with in 1999.  However, if you are determined to successfully prevail over whatever new crisis may befall you this millennium, here are some practical coping strategies to keep in mind.

    First, in keeping with our philosophy at emergencybeer. com, we believe that attitude is everything!  Therefore, if you feel the need for an attitude adjustment and you haven't developed a beer tooth, secure a bottle of your favorite libation to assist you.  If you tend to overdo the libations, reach instead for an Emergency Beer Kit and brew up a batch of beer. The process of brewing has a calming effect similar to fishing. One gets wrapped up in the mechanics and procedures of brewing and temporarily forgets about the problems de jour. Brewing will help to adjust one's attitude toward the optimal calm and creative state. No doubt you know someone who will enjoy the result!  

Next, remember that a good sense of humor will take you a long way.  Humor is an excellent coping mechanism, and laughter releases endorphins--our body's natural tranquilizers.  Humor can provide you with a positive way of reducing tension or expressing anger and frustration. Finding the humor in even the most catastrophic situations may require some creativity on your part. Remember, a crisis is a challenge. It's an opportunity for learning and growth. If you actually make a point to look for the humor, however, you'll find that some does exist.  Then you'll discover that the perspective and relief from tension that humor provides is well worth the effort.

    At the same time, maintaining a close network of friends and family can be very helpful when you are faced with an emergency situation.  Although there is strength in numbers, sometimes all you need is an empathetic ear.  Maintaining close relationships with others can provide you with the opportunity to express yourself openly, too.  A good friend can help you identify problems, develop solutions and offer his/her support.  A friend can also help you lap up that beer you brewed and laugh at your favorite fish stories or jokes! 

    A strong sense of self is equally important to successfully adapting to a crisis.  Maintaining a strong self concept in our society takes some doing.  You may find the best way to maintain good self esteem is to take the time to take care of yourself.  If you provide yourself with physical and emotional outlets for your negative feelings about yourself, they won't grow out of control.  Consequently, these negative feelings won't leave you feeling hopeless, helpless and powerless over your situation.  Feelings like these can stifle creative thinking and leave you ill-prepared to handle a critical situation.

    Finally, maintaining a hopeful attitude is essential to good mental health.  When the stresses and tensions of your lifestyle get you down, you may begin to lose hope.   Exploring your spirituality may help you keep a hopeful perspective on a crisis.  We are not omnipotent and can't always control everything that happens in our lives. When we are faced with a challenge that is beyond our control, it's time to call in reinforcements.   We need to have faith that a power greater than ourselves can help restore our lives.  It may even be helpful to turn our lives over to this greater power. In addition, praying for strength, knowledge and guidance through a difficult situation is often beneficial.

    As the new millennium progresses and emergencies develop, consider them a challenge rather than a threat. Strive to stay calm and use your ingenuity to adapt, innovate and overcome each crisis, emerging stronger each time. Through it all, remember to enjoy your life no matter what situation you find yourself in. Brew your beer, exercise your sense of humor, and share both with your loved ones.  Keep the Faith and best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Millennium!