For many years I’ve told whoever was listening as I cruised through Marshall’s, “The Chinese work very hard for us (Americans) to have a comfortable life.” And we bought it all, whether or not we had the money. The global financial meltdown is largely due to Americans spending money we haven’t yet earned (and greedy bankers eager to capitalize on our poor judgement).

And wherever credit cards have been introduced, the new middle classes quickly drown themselves in debt. Think India and the United Arab Emirates. Americans are just 30 years ahead of the others so we hung ourselves first.

However, there are healthy lifestyle benefits by having (access to) less money. So, as we face possibly years of economic depression, consider the upside:

1. Mall culture will diminish. Teens will stay home and talk to Mom about her teen years. What did you do, Mom, without a mall to hang out in? “Your friends came to your house?! You baked cookies together?!” “Yes, missy, we learned to cook and bake before all foods were sold in boxes, something you should learn to do.”

2. Revive coffee klatches. That’s when women in the neighborhood had a midmorning “coffee break” at one’s home. Homemade coffeecake and brewed coffee and friendship served. Okay, you’ve got an espresso machine now. But the cost of meeting friends at your home instead of the favorite coffee spot will be far less than $8 each. And since those of you who are in the neighborhood are probably out of work, you save money on clothes expenditures, dry cleaning, gas, and lunches out.

3. Buy only fresh foods. Since you have rediscovered the joy of cooking and more food is prepared at home, it will be healthier. You no longer can afford the edible food-like substances in several grocery aisles. You’ll save time, money, and your health by skipping aisles of chips, snack foods, soda, and prepared meats (luncheon types loaded with nitrates). They were all toxic for you anyway. You discover that home-cooked meats and leftovers are great encore lunches for the office or school–no more pre-boxed lunches (read: expensive, processed food).

4. Learn natural ways to take care of your health. Already, people are cutting back on prescription drugs. Chceck with your doctor before doing that. Prescription drugs are dangerous, and sudden withdrawal from some drugs can be fatal. A mere 100 years ago, even 60 years ago, many Americans knew how to take care of their health using plants in the garden. A friend’s grandfather slipped with a knife and cut his hand badly. He went out to the garden and took leaves of one plant (calendula?) and applied them to the wound ad tightly bandage it. Within a few days the cut was healed. Today we typically race to the emergency room, get stitches and antibiotics, and pay $2,000-$3,000 for the simplest procedure. That won’t be an option for millions more who will lose their health coverage with their jobs. If you’re not into botany and gardens, at the very least checkout a medical savings program such as Care Entree. Such programs have negotiated rates that are substantial. Some medical coverage will reduce stress.

5. Back to gardening. And sewing. Now with more leisure time and less money to spend in retail therapy, take up old hobbies or learn a new skill. If you live in an apartment, investigate whether the city has “pea patches” for residents to garden. And there are new developments in raised-bed gardening that makes patio gardens very do-able. You’ll get more sunshine, exercise, greatly reduce stress, and have more nutritious food by gardening.

6. Family tube time. Now that you’re doing more activities at home you’ll have less time to watch television. Bring the family together by having ONE TV in the house. Hey, with Tivo you can all record your favorites. Your budget (and theirs) no longer affords updating and replacing everyone’s PC, laptop, video games, blackberry, ipods, cell phones. Simplify your lives and live healthier. Remove TVs and all electronics from the kids’ bedrooms.The electrical fields in their sleeping space is unhealthy both physically and mentally. Only EU nations are recognizing (physical) health issues due to electrical fields. But for mental and spiritual well-being a child’s (and adult’s) bedroom should be a quiet sanctuary for rejuvenating the soul.

7. Reclaim childhood. When a 10-year-old has a limo pick up her friends for her birthday party, what do you do for an encore next year? It’s now necessary to stop the expenses of pamering young girls like adults. Girls as young as 5 or 6 in tiny high heels and lipstick are a sad commentary on parenting. Childhood, being free of cares and unconcerned with breaking a (finger) nail, is being lost. Without a budget for weekly manicures and hair styling for pre-teens (or mom), childhood can be reclaimed.

This financial meltdown provides a time to reflect on what’s important in our lives. And a whole lot of “stuff” we can live without–and live better.

Salud!
Beverly Jensen, Ph.D.
President, www.WomensMedicineBowl.com

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