I've been working really hard on trying to think more positively. Some of the positives of my awful work situation this year:
-I've lost almost 10 pounds due to never sitting down and just drinking a smoothie for lunch everyday because I don't have the time to sit down and eat lunch
- I get great sleep. My days are filled with work, kids, and running for stress relief. By the end of the day I don't want to lay in front of the t.v. or computer. I look forward to sleep soon after I tuck the kids in bed.
-I'm so tired by the end of the day it is faster to whip up something quick and nutritious for the kids (if it has a dairy, grain, protein and veggie I'm happy!) than to sit down for a restaurant meal.
-I think long and hard before going to a store. If it is a shopping trip I don't have to make, then I don't make it!
-I don't plan elaborate weekend activities. Even the kids look forward to easy weekend mornings where we can sleep late, then bake or take the dog somewhere.
-My grocery bill is about $25 cheaper per week than usual, because I prepare very simple meals now. Some weeks I don't even have to go to the grocery store because we have enough food to last us another week. I still don't do processed foods or frozen meals, but I do rely on frozen veggies, bagged salad and precooked chicken. Because I don't buy a lot of snacks or boxed items, we still come out ahead at the register.
There you have it, how I live healthier and save money by staying employed when any other sane person would have left!