Financial problems don’t just affect your wallet, but also your health. Learn about the connection between financial stress and your health.
Between the cost of living and the economic impacts of the pandemic, financial issues can cause problems for your health. The stress brought about by financial uncertainty can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression – all of which take a toll.
According to the Financial Health Network, two-thirds of Americans are struggling financially. Moreover, 84% of Americans are going through financial stress as a result of the pandemic. Nawal Alomari, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor, says that financial anxiety can harm your mental and physical health.
Financial Stress and Your Health
According to Alomari, your body has a natural stress response when your basic needs are not being met. Furthermore, studies show that those in debt have higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Financial stress can also affect your sleeping habits, making it harder to fall asleep and get some quality rest. In addition to affecting your mental health, monetary stress can cause physical problems like chronic inflammation and headaches.
It can also lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, nausea, and other problems. Moreover, chronic stress can spike your blood pressure, increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
Coping with Financial Stress
To start taking control of your financial stress, you need to know where you’re standing regarding debts and financial responsibilities. If the task seems overwhelming, make small goals that you can realistically reach so you start gaining control. For example, you can make a min-budget just for certain expenses like groceries or download an app to track your spending.
However, you don’t have to get rid of all your extraneous spending to be in control. “You’re depriving yourself of something that feels like a treat when we’re working hard to try and survive this,” Alomari says. “Maybe you just dine out once a week, and your budget is $15 versus $30.”
It’s important to take care of your emotional wellbeing and treating yourself every once in a while can help relieve financial stress. Moreover, you can take daily actions to relax like taking a bath or talking with your friends and family.
If you can afford it, make time to see a therapist or life coach to help you deal with stress or make a financial plan. Otherwise, find a loved one to offer your support and hear you out as a way to release your stress and help you cope.
The Outlook
Financial stress can negatively impact both your mental and physical health. Find ways to get control of your financial situation while also taking time to take care of yourself.
By effectively managing your stress, you can make better decisions and protect your heart health in the process. Another way you can promote your heart health is by taking supplements like L-arginine Plus.
Its ingredients work to naturally boost healthy circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. Take L-arginine Plus as part of your daily health regimen and have one less thing to worry about.