Would you like to be rich and famous? Do you dream of owning the hottest car or wearing the latest fashion? Do you secretly hope that you're the envy of all your friends? If you answered YES to most of these questions, then you run a high risk of contracting the Affluenza Virus! Affluenza is an epidemic sweeping the world of the upwardly mobile, primarily affecting those who are obsessed with impressing others and accumulating vast amounts of money and possessions.
How do you know if you've been stricken by this 'disease'? Some symptoms include depression, anxiety, and addiction. But, as is the case with most diseases, a change in lifestyle could hold the key to your recovery. The first change to make is to realize that success is not necessarily measured by how much cash you have in the bank. The second change is to find ways to lead a simpler, more rewarding life ....
Living frugally can help you free up time to pursue what's truly important to you, like spending more time with friends and family. Here are a couple of ideas: Take up free cycling get friends and colleagues to bring in unused and unwanted items from home. Put everything on a table and let people take the things they want - it's free stuff and it's recycling! It also happens to be a great way to spend time with people, too. Eat seasonally buying produce which is in season not only means you get more bang for your buck but more taste on your plate.
Better yet, try growing your own small garden. You can save money and share the surplus with your friends. Eating communally is another great way to share costs and spend time with friends and family. Use your time profitably - rather than shopping or working late, sign up for a night class at a local college or university. Sometimes you can get a lot more than you bargained for - many universities offer discounted rates or free admissions to their fitness center, sporting events, guest lectures, performances and art exhibits.
Last but not least - Work out what your priorities are. What do you really want? What do you really need? Cut out unnecessary expenses, save time for what you really want to do. As the old saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine".
Living a life which is outwardly simple but inwardly rich is one of the best ways to ward off Affluenza.