How to Deal With Money Stress

Many things can add to your overall stress, but money stress is a very serious problem for many of us.  While money doesn’t buy you happiness, the lack of it can be quite difficult to deal with.  Especially if you find yourself falling further and further behind each month.

Assuming you are making the right financial choices, it should only be a matter of time before you get back on track.  Until then, there are some things you can do to help deal with your financial stress.

Fight Back.  Start by fighting back.  That’s right, do something to help your situation.  Maybe you need to create a budget, find lifestyle changes that can save you money, or get a second job.  Even if it doesn’t make a huge difference, doing something at all will at least give you a little hope and make you feel like you’re at least doing something to help your situation.

Exercise.  A little excercise can really reduce stress.  It gives your body something else to focus on and directs your energy to something productive.  Even going for a simple walk can literally help clear your head and reduce the stress.

Get Some Sleep.  Cut your day short and get a good night’s sleep.  Sometimes a new day and some good rest can really change your perspective.  It won’t get rid of your money problems, but it will definitely help you deal with them if you are well rested and thinking clearly.

Keep Busy.  What better way to stop thinking about something than to do something else?  Okay, sounds confusing when I put it that way, but keeping busy can keep your mind off of your troubles and help reduce the stress too.

Gain Perspective.  Remember, you’re worried about money.  Luckily, it’s only money.  In the grand scheme of things, money is not the most important thing in the world and remember that millions of people in the world get by with very little money.  Gain some perspective by focusing on more important issues like your friends and family.

Don’t Be Too Proud.  If you’re money problems are because you can’t find a job, then it’s important to not be too proud.  Don’t see jobs as “below you”, but rather as a stepping stone to something better.  It’s okay to take a job that isn’t exactly what you’re looking for.  And many of these jobs can lead to much better jobs if you can perform well at them.  Besides, getting any type of paycheck can help solve your money related anxiety.

Get Help.  If nothing else works, get some help.  Start by getting advice from your family and friends and then turn to professionals.  Hopefully you can find a not-for-profit counseling service to help you come up with a plan and a solution to your problem.  If not, you may need to pay someone for help, but make sure you research that person to make sure they are legitimate.  There are thousands and thousands of people out there that take advantage of desperate people with money problems.

Hopefully these tips can help you deal with your money stress.  Have any other ideas to share?  Leave us a comment.

{ 8 comments… add one }
  • Patricia Coldiron May 20, 2012, 5:29 pm

    I use most of these tips to cope with my money problems. Getting enough sleep is important because problems look much more overwhelming when you’re tired. Exercise gives you the energy to keep things in the right perspective.

    Fighting back helps you develop confidence when it comes to money stress. Taking action always makes you feel better than doing nothing at all.

    Reply
  • Sugarhill May 23, 2012, 1:07 pm

    I felt the need to comment on this entry that you’ve written as it is very on point. In particular, the “fight back” and “don’t be too proud” sections. It’s amazing how times have changed within society. There is a generation of people that were raised by maids, janitors, gardeners, etc.

    When did having an honest job become something to be ashamed of? Yes, I understand that the degrees on your wall would suggest a certain type of job and pay, but life is full of suggestions. It doesn’t always work out that way.

    I have to wonder if this mindset is one of the biggest factors in so many jobs being shipped overseas. It’s something to ponder, because they haven’t allowed pride to sink in and they are working. Maybe a little too hard, but it’s what they have to do, right?

    Reply
  • sundcarrie May 23, 2012, 3:28 pm

    I use a lot of these already I feel great when I go to my dance classes it boosts my self esteem and my energy levels. I have changed my goals and am working hard to make an income from home so I can take care of all the needs in this house and continue doing things I love. I actually wouldn’t worry about money at all if my husband would stop acting like it is the end of the world when I spend money. I never spend so much that we don’t have some to save at the end of the month but he actually refuses to look at the figures. So do you have anything that works for husband induced stress about money?

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  • S.O. Price May 30, 2012, 8:54 am

    These are all great suggestions. I also find it helpful to find a quiet time, usually just before I go to bed to do some deep breathing exercises. This really helps to relax and prepare the body for a good night’s sleep. I would also suggest that while you’re waiting to fall asleep, instead of thinking about problems which will only delay sleep, focus on a time in your life when you had a really good experience. I usually try to remember a happy time such as when I took a great vacation at the beach. I really try to re-live the experience. I remember how beautiful the sky looked, how warm the sand was on my feet and how I loved to see the clouds scudding across the sky. It is much easier to fall asleep by focusing on happy thoughts. Any money issues can be better addressed the next day after you’re fully rested.

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  • How-To-Be-Happy-Again June 3, 2012, 8:47 pm

    Great tips. I think the emphasize should be more about the counseling – Emotional type of counseling that is. It seems, so many times, that’s the connection for people who have always had money stress. Nice article. Thanks.

    Reply
  • vpresson June 4, 2012, 2:24 pm

    I’ve used these in past and still do now. It can help very much it might not get rid of your stress completely but it does help. Sometimes when i find myself stressed out over money problems i read or play a game online even do a puzzle online or off. And i found that doing puzzles while stress is like the number one best thing to do it keeps you busy especially if you do a big one it keeps you calm and just takes your mind off of everything and puts you into a whole different mood. Also another thing you can do if you have money problems and need to earn a little extra for whatever reason is try looking online i’m a stay at home of two kids and that’s what i do i do all types of things along i mean it doesn’t make me rich but it does give me something extra in my pocket. So that’s another idea you can look into now a days with computers and all you can find ways to make a little extra again you won’t get rich but it’ll help i’ve joined quite a few sites that worked for me. It does take some time tho it isn’t going to be as easy as it sounds but to me it’s fun and believe it or not it’s also a very nice way to get your mind off things that’s another thing i do when i’m stressing i’ll get online and do my surveys it relaxes me takes my mind off things and i’m earning a little extra from it so it’s great.

    Reply
  • vida_llevares August 25, 2012, 9:38 pm

    First, take time off to breathe and unwind. When stress overwhelms you, you may not be able to think rationally.

    Then, look at the causes of your money problems. Identify possible solutions to counteract each cause or each factor that led to your money issues.

    Check which of these solutions you can commit to.

    Do not wallow too much on your misery. The more you think about your problems, the more stressed you will be.

    Reply
  • jae98 September 27, 2012, 9:54 am

    First off, we have to trust that ” the most high” will provide and supply us with all that we need to continue on. Although, I use all the methods above ” he” is the one that keeps my thoughts in perspective, so that I do not allow myself to become overwhelmed with the stress of trying to make ends meet.

    Yes, money does give us the means of survival but faith in “he” will get us through it. I am going through my money issues as we speak. I prayed about it and I know he is going to make a way.

    Have faith and pray!

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