We all know times are tough – at least compared to the recent past.

Let’s be honest, though. For most of us computer-addicted, latte-sipping, iPhone-using Chicken-Littles, the impact of the falling firmament is not as dramatic as the lamenting and sighing and woe-is-me-ing would suggest.

But how do we keep perspective when everyone around us is crying cataclysm?

Get Organized for Recession-Proof Happiness: Using Humor to Change your Perspective

When I’m in danger of thinking I’ve got big problems, I find humor the quickest, most direct way to show up my skewed perspective.

Here are three of my favorite humorific reminders*:

1. Teenage affluenza is spreading fast

Although this video isn’t new, it’s certainly timely in prodding us to see the dire economic situation from a different perspective. It’s worth the five minutes, I promise!

2. The Indignities of Coach Class

Humor is also how David Rakoff’s essay collection makes a point about our culture of excess. The title is all you need to get that jerk of realization:

Now, Don’t Get Too Comfortable:
The Indignities of Coach Class, the Torments of Low Thread Count, the Never-ending Quest for Artisanal Olive Oil, and Other First World Problems.

First world problems? Urban Dictionary defines them as:

Problems from living in a wealthy, industrialized nation that third worlders would probably roll their eyes at.

What was that? Oh – just the sensation of boot hitting butt.

3. Once more with feeling

Lastly, a little technique I use when thinking I have it tough, is to say aloud, in the whiniest voice I can muster, one of these:

• Why is life so cruel!
• Why must such terrible things always happen to me!
• How can I be expected to go on!

It never fails to yank me back to reality.

So consider vaccinating yourself against recession-gloom with a little injection of perspective-shifting humor.

Disclaimer

Now I’m not saying our economic problems aren’t real – plenty of evidence suggests they are.

I’m simply suggesting that for most of us, the sky will still be there.
And compared to much of the world, it will remain very blue.

Question: How do you keep your perspective when everyone else is getting their gloom on?

* If my long-term readers are feeling a bit deja vu-y, it’s because I previously referenced the first two items in my Happiness Strategies post: Happiness Life Strategy: Recognize that most of your problems are first-world problems

Image by ishrona

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