Dealing with Financial Stress

From our job to our relationships, most of us deal with stress on a regular basis. But financial stress is something that’s not often talked about. It’s a problem many adults in the U.S. deal with—in fact, the American Psychological Association reports that 72% of people are stressed about money. That’s not good when stress can be linked to health issues like depression and sleep problems.

Here are some helpful tips to help you cope with financial and money-related stress.

Remember to breathe
It may seem obvious but focusing on your breathing can help you calm down and soothe tense emotions. It’s also something you can do anywhere, and most people won’t even know you’re doing it.

Try PMR
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves tensing and then relaxing all of your major muscles in your body. It’s a fast stress reliever and can help your body avoid a state of chronic stress.

Write it out
Journaling can help get your emotions out of your head, so you don’t keep thinking about them. It can also give you a better sense of control over the situation.

Reframe the situation
When it comes to our finances, you might feel that it’s a personal failure if something goes wrong. But with finances stressing out so many adults (remember the stat above!) know you’re not alone. Acknowledging your feelings and thoughts can help you gain a different perspective and help you to be more positive.

Avoid unhealthy behaviors
People cope in different ways, but turning to drinking, smoking, overeating or other unhealthy behaviors can actually lead to more stress.

Ask for help
Sometimes coping with financial stress might be too much to handle on your own. And that’s okay. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed but talking to someone can help significantly.

• Family and friends can provide comfort and support.
• Financial advisors can help you understand your financial situation and help you get on track.
• Mental health professionals are trained to help us cope and deal with stress. Seek professional help if you’re feeling an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy or a general feeling that you could use more help. If you need help finding a mental health professional, our Provider Finder can help.