Are Bad Times Good For You?
You’d think that rising prices, falling home values, higher unemployment, and general worry that we are all going to heck in a handbasket would take a toll on your physical health.
Not so, according to this NYT article from Tuesday. Studies exist that show people actually get healthier during recessions.
Apparently, when the economy is booming you work more. This leaves you less time to exercise, cook from scratch, and sleep. Also, more money to spend on fatty restaurant meals and booze. Ergo, your health suffers.
Some studies even show that death rates fall during recessions.
Ain’t science wonderful?
Natch, other studies prove the exact opposite–that a crummy economy means you can’t afford health insurance, thus you don’t go to the doctor, thus you don’t get needed preventive care, thus…..well, you know.
What does this mean to you and Working Girl? That bad times aren’t automatically bad for you healthwise. The jury’s still out! You are free to remain hale and hearty, if you are, and, if you aren’t, to take what steps you can to become haler and heartier.
Is WG the only one who finds this strangely liberating?
Hard times can bring out either the best or the worst in people. For us, let it be the best.
SUBSCRIBE
As with almost everything, your outlook and perspective will determine what you get out of the economic situation. Go down swinging and smiling, I say.
I loved this article! It is so nice to hear someone talk about something positive during these rough times. I can’t wait to read more!