Many things in life can act as stressors, but financial pressures are some of the most common.
Everyone wants to be able to live comfortably, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Most people will find themselves dealing with debt or financial struggles at some point in life, and this can also lead to a decline in your physical and mental health if you’re not careful. Below are some examples of how financial stress can impact your health that you should be mindful of and some tips to help deal with these issues.
Lack of Sleep
Often, it’s when your head hits the pillow that you start going over the problems you have in your head, increasing your stress levels so much that sleep never comes. Even if you do manage to fall asleep, you might find yourself waking up or having nightmares caused by anxiety and stress. Broken sleep can result in difficulty concentrating and increased irritability throughout the day. In extreme cases, you might find yourself feeling dizzy, nauseous, and in potentially life-threatening situations if you’re driving or carrying out other dangerous tasks that require your concentration.
Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Maintaining a balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but when you’re going through difficult times, you might notice that your weight fluctuates during this period. Stress can cause people to lose their appetites, whereas others might use food as a comfort source when experiencing this instead. If you are feeling the pressure financially and are worried about money, you may notice that you either lose or gain weight, sometimes significantly so.
Developing Bad Habits
Another health issue that can occur due to financial stress is developing bad habits as a coping mechanism. It could be that you take up smoking, start consuming alcohol excessively, or other substance abuse. Not only can these bad habits harm your overall health, but they can also contribute to your financial issues if you develop an addiction.
A Decline in Your Mental Health
Financial strain can often result in depression, anxiety, and generally low mental health, which can affect your physical health. You might also find that your relationships are strained due to your low mental health, particularly if you’re more irritable and depressed, as this can lead you to retreat from your loved ones or take out your stress on them.
How Can You Cope?
One of the best ways to cope with financial stress is by getting your issues under control. Coming up with a smart action plan to improve your debt or learn to manage your finances better going forward is key. If your financial strain is caused by debts you owe, one option that you could explore is getting a loan for debt consolidation. This can potentially help you clear some of your debts and reduce the number of payments you’re making each month. You should also make sure that you’re practicing self-care at home, such as sticking to a sleep routine each day, making sure you’re eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise. If you feel overwhelmed, you could even look at taking to a counselor or close friend to talk through your issues and feel less alone.
Financial stress is not uncommon, and the majority of people will experience some form of this in their lifetime. If you are going through this now, remember how it could be impacting your health and make sure that you’re looking after your general well-being.
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