We are fully integrated, multi-dimensional beings and everything related to us, affects us.
It’s virtually impossible to separate our thoughts and actions from our bodies. If you lay down to sleep, your whole body follows; your ears and feet don’t rest while your knees and elbows stay up. When you eat, it’s not just your left leg that gets nourishment while the rest of you starves. You are one body and when things work well together, you’re healthy.
Financial Danger Can Create Physical Stress
The opposite is also true; If one part of you is suffering, like with a backache or a headache, it can seem like every part of you is hurting, even your hair. The same holds true for your finances—if you are experiencing financial danger, then chances are there may be some physical reactions within your body, as well. Financial stress or danger often manifests as physical stress in the form of sleepless nights, headaches, stomach pain etc.
I recently saw a news piece where a woman was hiking with friends and a bear came upon them and they all had their phones out to capture the experience. It was amazing to see the woman hold perfectly still while she fought every natural instinct to run as the bear sniffed her hair and face—and as I watched the video, I held my breath along with her in solidarity. When we sense danger, our normal biological response is fight or flight—but she did neither—she stood still, which is why she and her friends lived to tell the tale.
What do you do when your finances are in danger? How does your body react—what do you do with it? Do you fight, flee or stand still? Actually you will need to do all three…but not at the same time.
Steps to Dealing With Financial Stress
Slow Down and Think:
Like the girl in the video, the first thing you will need to do is get still and think. When it comes to your finances, the scattershot/panic approach won’t work. Don’t give in to the temptation to throw everything you have at your money concerns and see what sticks. Gather your thoughts; determine the issue(s); and look for solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unable to come up with solutions on your own. A credit counselor can help you identify the problem areas and recommend strategies to get you back on track.
Flee From Unhelpful Patterns:
Identify those things that you need to run away from! Some commonplace financial enemies mirror physical enemies. Overspending, like eating too much, will leave you despairing—your wallet and your body are not unlimited resources. Running away from harmful traps will safeguard your future. No midnight TV shopping; delete shopping apps from your devices, (especially the accounts that have your credit card number for one-click shopping); unsubscribe from emails that alert you to all the “final chance” and “going out of business” sales. Don’t allow yourself to be bullied (or wooed) into spending.
Fight for Peace
“Fight” and “peace” in the same sentence may seem strange but nonetheless, fight for your peace of mind and body. A budget, a savings plan, and knowing exactly how much money is coming in and going out can give you peace of mind and allows your body the opportunity to rest. Having even a small cushion of savings can help you sleep better and relieve stressful thoughts about the future.
Your quality of life is so important and any moment that brings relief and a chance to de-stress is a step in the right direction. When financial danger happens and those bears of worry and debt try to sniff your hair…you’ll be ready with a plan!
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and are looking for a solution, non-profit credit counseling can help you make sense of all your options. Contact us today for a free financial assessment with one of our certified credit counselors.
