Mind Your Money
Most of you are aware that there is a stark correlation between financial issues and mental health. Stressing about money can take a toll on anyone. When you feel a combination of negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or guilt, it can further damaging effects on your financial state. What is more startling is that is according to a study “The Relationship Between Personal Unsecured Debt and Mental and Physical Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” individuals who suffer from anxiety and/or depression were more likely than not to be in debt.
We must respect that our mental health may shift from time to time, hence the reason for regular and continuous exercise, healthy balanced meals, sleep, and mindfulness. These lifestyle habits are recommended as key players in ensuring that we are in a healthy mental capacity. When we think about our mental health though, we must think of it as a continuum. If we are not practicing good health habits (exercising, sleep, healthy balanced meals, etc.) on a regular basis, and our mental health stays in a poor state for a long length of time or it continues to decline, we would be at risk of increased financial problems. Here are some ways that poor mental health can negatively affect you financially.
Desperation for Temporary Relief: When you are dissatisfied to the point of pain, you would be desperate to do anything that will bring you instant gratification, even if it may be a disadvantage to you in the long run. For example: Purchasing a new car, when you know quite well that you can’t afford it, or expensive dining. These feelings usually bring instant satisfaction and excitement, however, there is a good chance it will cost you long term. No wonder why the term, “Retail Therapy” was invented. “Short-Lived, Long Hurt”
Self-Esteem Issue: Low self-esteem can cause a person to purchase expensive clothing, name brand accessories, and luxury cars in an attempt to project an image of success. Often, persons who feel worse about themselves try to overcompensate for their low self-esteem.
Problem Avoidance: It takes a lot of courage to sometime tackle your bills and address your financial problems, but it can also cause anxiety when facing the issue. It is easier to put off on addressing the issue latter, which can result in more financial burdens when bills stack up.
Greatly enough, there are easy ways to help you improve your mental and financial health. Most importantly, we must take care of our physical health. Exercising each day can have a positive impact on our minds. During exercise, our body release endorphins “the feel-good hormone” that helps us to feel positive throughout the day. Eat healthy and nutritious meals. Did you know herbs such as Rosemary, can have helped improve your mood and strengthens your cognitive skills? Try including it with your next meal or try other healthy fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, apples, and green leafy veggies that will ensure that you are always in a good state of mind.
Create a budget. One of the most important things about being in a healthy mental capacity is self-awareness. When you create your budget you are able to face the facts head-on and address them. It’s better to be prepared than unprepared. Part of many mental health issues comes from bottling up negative emotional feelings. Hashing it out with a therapist might help to ease the burden off your shoulders. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone, so that they can help guide you. Besides, Isn’t your mental health worth it?
