Category: Affluenza
Affluenza
Tags: Affluenza, emotions, consumerism, criticism, commercialism, New Year's resolutions, Britain, Christmas, depression, anxiety, You time
Hi there and let me start by wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas! - It's nearly upon us!
"You don't know how lucky you are!" was a regular put-down directed by my parents at me as I was growing up. It was a critical remark used particularly when I wanted something new, or was bored with what I was doing. Once it had passed my parents' lips, the line had been drawn and I knew a lecture would soon follow on the subject of how much we had, compared to how little they had in the earlier part of their lives. My parents were right, their generation had grown up during the war, with the real fear of air raids and the restricted diet and lifestyle associated with rationing. And the hardships suffered by their parents was greater still.
With many more lifestyle choices, a higher standard of living and more disposable income, we have never had it so good and yet greater numbers are suffering serious emotional distress. It is reported that, in Britain, almost a quarter of us suffer from depression or anxiety and a further quarter are on the verge of such distress.
Just as the experiences of my childhood proved, I was becoming increasingly confused between my needs and wants.
According to Oliver James in his book "Affluenza", two-thirds of Britons believe that they cannot afford everything they really need. Even when earnings increase, the perceived disparity remains, and the potential for anxiety and depression amplify.
For many people living in the western world, they feel like a hamster on a wheel, never having enough time, never having enough money and waiting for the promotion or windfall which will help them get on to the next step of the ladder. For almost all, the utopian ideal of a work life balance remains just a dream. I remember Christmas many years ago when it was quiet and peaceful, everyone seemed to slow down and take a few days off. Today, so many of us frantically work right up to Christmas Day, only to then stop for just one day and then pick up the pace again on Boxing Day.
So how about this Christmas, you take the time to focus on your needs and maybe fit in some YOU time.
Set yourself a challenge to enjoy the festive period and to have as much fun as possible with your friends and family.
In my next couple of posts, I'll be offering you some top tips on how to achieve any New Year's resolutions you may make.
Take care,
Pete
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