As just about everyone knows, our economy is in a big squeeze. And you may feel the squeeze, too, and it’s not at all comfortable.
Financial stress creates a great deal of anxiety. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that financial stress accounts for the greatest number of divorces. Stress also takes a very big toll on health and our immune system. Typical symptoms include irritability, problems sleeping, changes in appetite, headaches, stomach aches, intestinal problems, nervousness, excessive worry, and feeling sad and depressed.
Although you may be tempted to unhealthy behaviors to relieve stress – overeating, shopping, drinking and smoking – all of these behaviors actually create greater levels of stress and pain in the long run.
Here are suggestions to get through stressful times:
If you’ve one not yet set up a budget, start one now. You’ll want to consider the essential spending – food, clothing, shelter – and then identify what costs you’re able to trim, even temporarily, to feel financially stable. Locally, you can receive help with budgeting, money management and credit issues 365 days a year as well as online assistance from a great organization -- Consumer Credit Counseling Services; see http://www.moneymanagement.org/ or call (866) 889-9347.
Stay away from people who talk doom and gloom. The fact is that jobs are available and there is money to buy homes. Many businesses are thriving. Many good things are happening in our planet. At the same time, do your best to connect with people who are hopeful, creative and positive and inspire you to express your best self.
Take excellent care of your health. If you aren’t healthy, you won’t be able to work or enjoy life. Take your vitamins, get some exercise, adjust your diet, get some rest – whatever nourishes your mind, body and spirit. When you’re making that budget, make sure that reasonable expenses for your health are addressed. Consider not only your physical health but also your mental health and seek psychotherapy if you continue to be overwhelmed by stress.
Consider what actions, however small, you can take to make a difference. This might involve finding a quarter-time job to supplement your income, putting together a yard sale to clean out the clutter, helping out a neighbor shovel snow, organizing a food-buying club. You’ll feel as if you have more choice in the essentials of your life, and more power.
Stop smoking and drinking. Cigarettes and alcohol are not essential to life and, in fact, not only empty your wallet and hurt your health but also cause bigger and more expensive problems down the lane. If you can’t stop smoking or drinking, then you will need to get help.
Learn to manage your stress. Talking with a trusted friend or family member, exercise, meditation, prayer, spending time with a pet, joining a support group and many other strategies really help. Remember that stress that is not addressed can lead to serious health problems.
We’ll continue to offer more tips for good health in times of stress. Watch this space.
Financial stress creates a great deal of anxiety. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that financial stress accounts for the greatest number of divorces. Stress also takes a very big toll on health and our immune system. Typical symptoms include irritability, problems sleeping, changes in appetite, headaches, stomach aches, intestinal problems, nervousness, excessive worry, and feeling sad and depressed.
Although you may be tempted to unhealthy behaviors to relieve stress – overeating, shopping, drinking and smoking – all of these behaviors actually create greater levels of stress and pain in the long run.
Here are suggestions to get through stressful times:
If you’ve one not yet set up a budget, start one now. You’ll want to consider the essential spending – food, clothing, shelter – and then identify what costs you’re able to trim, even temporarily, to feel financially stable. Locally, you can receive help with budgeting, money management and credit issues 365 days a year as well as online assistance from a great organization -- Consumer Credit Counseling Services; see http://www.moneymanagement.org/ or call (866) 889-9347.
Stay away from people who talk doom and gloom. The fact is that jobs are available and there is money to buy homes. Many businesses are thriving. Many good things are happening in our planet. At the same time, do your best to connect with people who are hopeful, creative and positive and inspire you to express your best self.
Take excellent care of your health. If you aren’t healthy, you won’t be able to work or enjoy life. Take your vitamins, get some exercise, adjust your diet, get some rest – whatever nourishes your mind, body and spirit. When you’re making that budget, make sure that reasonable expenses for your health are addressed. Consider not only your physical health but also your mental health and seek psychotherapy if you continue to be overwhelmed by stress.
Consider what actions, however small, you can take to make a difference. This might involve finding a quarter-time job to supplement your income, putting together a yard sale to clean out the clutter, helping out a neighbor shovel snow, organizing a food-buying club. You’ll feel as if you have more choice in the essentials of your life, and more power.
Stop smoking and drinking. Cigarettes and alcohol are not essential to life and, in fact, not only empty your wallet and hurt your health but also cause bigger and more expensive problems down the lane. If you can’t stop smoking or drinking, then you will need to get help.
Learn to manage your stress. Talking with a trusted friend or family member, exercise, meditation, prayer, spending time with a pet, joining a support group and many other strategies really help. Remember that stress that is not addressed can lead to serious health problems.
We’ll continue to offer more tips for good health in times of stress. Watch this space.
