Relieving Financial Stress
by Lezlee Liljenberg
We have all heard the saying, “Money can’t buy you happiness” and we all want the chance to make sure if this is true or false. Money may not bring happiness or love; however, research shows that having it may relieve levels of stress. Aaahhaa there is a catch. Just having it is not as important as what you do with it. While making money is a worthy goal, being smart with the money you make is even more worthy!
Being smart with your money can be as easy as dodging your favorite coffee stop once a week or going to the library to get a great novel rather than buying it. Then take this excess money and put it into a savings vehicle. This does take discipline but, every good outcome does require sacrifice.
Research has shown that over half of all workers have money problems and that financial stress is linked to health problems. One might think that it is merely the stress that brings on these health problems, yet, the truth of the matter is that the stress often times intensifies other behavior such as drinking, overeating, smoking and lost sleep. These unhealthy coping habits can cause long term complications such as heart disease and diabetes.
If stress over finances becomes chronic people may begin to see physical symptoms that can start out as mild headaches, neck and back pain or low immune systems. Continuous exposure to stress will cause more serious health problems to occur. Making a decision to prepare for the future can help you diminish or eliminate the chances of this occurring in your life.
What can you do? To get started, begin to set aside money in a simple savings account, in case of an emergency. Saving money is not “an all or nothing” situation. To begin making a difference in your life for the long-term you do not have to start with thousands of dollars-$10, $25, $50 per month can get you started on the right track.
Second, build a plan. This plan can be simplistic or very detailed. Getting a professional to help you need not be expensive. There are companies that offer financial reviews free of charge.
Third, find someone that will and can hold you accountable. This person needs to help you stick with the plan and you need to respect them and listen to them.
There are many ways other ways to deal with stress-a massage, meditation, breathing techniques. However, if you are dealing with stress due to financial circumstances it is not all about how much money you make, but how wisely you use the money you make.