BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM

Without planning, it is possible, especially for those without family members close by, to wind up almost alone. By taking charge, you can create a human support system. A human support system consists of those who provide frequent spiritual, emotional, psychological, and occasionally, financial support. This group constitutes your inner circle. 

The word support simply means that when you need help, these people will see you through your problem. You would probably not have to ask them, because they would voluntarily come to your aid in one way or another. They keep in touch and do things for you. 

There is a tendency for people to seek friendships among people their own age. While this may contribute to compatible values and interests, it limits the kind of support these friends can offer. So, as you participate in groups where a range of ages is represented, look for opportunities to develop friendships with younger people. When called upon, these friends may offer a different perspective on your problem and be physically able to assist when needed. It is often said your doctor and lawyer should be younger than you. This will increase the odds that your doctor can provide care through your lifetime and your lawyer will be around to settle your estate after your death. 

When it comes to human response, there are no guarantees, which is why any inner-circle system should include several people. 

It goes without saying that you must help earn any support you may require before you need it. This means you should start working now to build sustaining, mutually beneficial relationships. Often you will be on the support end more than the receiving end. Love and compassion must be the bedrock of your support system. 

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Ten suggested approaches to managing stress include the following worry only about things over which you have control, include physical exercise as part of your routine, have hobbies and destimulating activities in which you can lose yourself, plan ahead, avoid negative self-talk, rename the events that are stressful to you, build a support system, be decisive, put the situation into perspective, and use role models of others who have succeeded. 

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