Although money is often a contributing factor to tension and stress, it can cause even more concern for people struggling financially in the face of an economic downturn. Following are steps to help you better manage your feelings around money and have a brighter financial future.
Manage Your Stress Response
When we feel threatened, our body’s stress response kicks in and makes various changes in the body. Some of these include a rise in the heart rate and the release of stress hormones. These changes allow the body to absorb and use energy quickly. If the body is in this state for a long time, it can damage its health.
If we see a life event as a threat or a challenge, we tend to react negatively and become more anxious than if we see it as a positive development. This is because if we believe things will never improve, a stressful situation becomes more overwhelming. Find calming techniques that work for you when you feel financial stress rising.
Find a New Perspective
Reframing is also a great way to help people get through a financial crisis. For instance, if you feel that your situation is a failure, then remind yourself that other people are going through this type of situation. It’s important to remember that the situation is not a failure on your part, and you can still work through it. If you’re worried that the financial crisis will hurt your family, try reminding yourself that it can help them grow stronger.
Acknowledging and redirecting your thoughts and feelings to the positive can help decrease the stress you’re experiencing. When you’re not overwhelmed by the situation, you can make better decisions and take advantage of available opportunities.
Set It Aside
One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to take a break from the situation. This can be done by taking a break from the stressful thoughts and returning later with a more positive mindset. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to take a break from their financial situation.
Make a Plan and Set Goals
A positive outlook on the future can help you manage your finances and prevent things from worsening. Before you start working on a financial plan, you must consider all of the possible options that you have available to you. Having a good understanding of the various avenues that are available to you can help you make better decisions.
You can set short-term and long-term goals, which can be achieved with a stable financial situation and a life full of positive activities. For instance, your short-term goal might be to get through a month or week in a peaceful state. You can also create a vision board to visualize what you want to see in the future. Having a clear idea of what you would like to see in the future can help you keep in mind and keep things from getting worse.