Coping With Financial Stress
Talk About It: Find someone you can trust – a close friend or relative, clergy or a mental health professional – to share the fears and worries you are experiencing. Finances are a very personal issue but talking about your concerns can help you see your situation objectively and assist you in finding a solution.
Get Real: If you’ve been juggling bills, you may not have a clear picture of where you stand financially. Completing a detailed budget is crucial if you want to change your situation. You’ll find a free budgeting workbook at www.consolidatedcredit.ca. Fill it out entirely. Include your spouse or partner in the process. This may seem frightening but don’t put it off. The longer you wait, the worse your situation will likely become.
Be Thankful: When you’re in financial difficulty, you may feel the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But for most people, even when things aren’t going well, there is still a lot they can be thankful for. Oprah Winfrey says that keeping a “gratitude journal” has been helpful for her and many who have followed her advice feel the same. Take the time each day to write down three or four things you are thankful for, and really take a few moments to reflect on what you have written.
See Your Dentist: High levels of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase twofold the likelihood of developing periodontal (gum) disease. According to the Canadian Academy of Periodontology, evidence is now suggesting that periodontal disease can be a risk factor in cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Who ever thought that money problems could affect your teeth?
In addition to gum disease, bruxism or teeth grinding can be a result of chronic stress. Symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding are headache, jaw pain, and teeth that are worn down or flat. Often this is not diagnosed until side effects are detected by an individual.
Simplify: In today’s frantic consumer world, it can be hard to step back and simplify. But a simpler life may save you money and help reduce your stress (and improve your overall health). Look at where you are spending your time and money to see if you can identify ways to cut back.
