Nearly all of us struggle at least a little bit with money. Even those with lots of green find out it just means there’s more to manage! Whether you wonder how you’re going to be able to afford to send money to a family member, you are trying to pay the bills, or you aren’t putting as much into savings as you’d like, dealing with money problems day-in and day-out can really do a number on your health.
Here are four ways money stress can negatively affect your health.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are the most obvious results of money stress for which doctors now recommend the use of Budpop supplements. Anxiety is the next step after feeling stressed, but it can quickly turn into a full-blown panic attack, leaving you with chest pain, sweat, and heart palpitations. If you tie your self-worth to your paycheck, depression will likely coincide with money stress.
Surprisingly, more money isn’t the answer. Instead, if you’re dealing with anxiety and depression due to money stress, it’s much more effective to learn stress management techniques.
Insomnia
All kinds of stress can trigger insomnia, but money stress is one of the most common. Losing a little sleep every once in a while is one thing, but if you’re dealing with insomnia night-in and night-out because you’re ruminating on your financial situation, you could actually develop more serious medical problems that include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Not to mention, not getting enough sleep can increase your chances of experiencing an accident, and it can make you gain weight. Meditation and relaxation techniques can help you fall asleep faster so you aren’t up half the night worrying about money.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
It isn’t just mental disorders that can result from money stress. You could end up causing your own physical symptoms by worrying about your bank account. Acid reflux has a stress component, as do constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
How you choose to cope with stress could be exacerbating your symptoms too. Alcohol can increase acid reflux symptoms, and sugary treats can increase irritable bowel syndrome.
If you notice these symptoms, eating a healthier diet can help. Increase your intake of water, and increase the number of vegetables in your diet. Foods with probiotics can help too.
Heart Disease
If left unchecked, money stress can turn into some very serious, life-threatening problems, like heart disease.
If you are stuck in a job you hate, or if are unable to make enough money to pay for the bills, you’re at a greater risk of developing heart problems. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re feeling money stress that could be affecting your heart. They can provide you with resources and/or a prescription that may be able to help.
Money can negatively affect your health in many ways, but it doesn’t have to. Identifying the problem is the first step to making sure money isn’t the reason why you aren’t able to enjoy life to the fullest.
