Remember What Money Can't Change to Cope With Financial Stress

When you’re in debt or just trying to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, the thought of money can be stressful. Yes, it helps to come up with a financial plan. But if you start to feel down about your finances in the meantime, it might help to think about the ways in which your life is the same with or without money.

We won’t argue that money isn’t important. It can offer freedom and options. In fact, that’s why your financial situation can seem so discouraging when it’s out of order. So while it’s crucial to keep your eye on the prize, it’s also helpful to remember that money is just a tool. It doesn’t buy everything.

More than that, it’s important to remember that life goes on, despite your financial situation. Psychotherapy Brown Bag suggests:

One question to ask yourself is what you are doing today and tomorrow that is very similar to what you did last week or last month. Keep a schedule for every hour and notice how much remains the same.

It’s sort of like remembering to be grateful for what you have, which can also be powerful in coping with stress. But it’s also about remembering that there are some things that are even beyond money’s control.

When I was getting out of debt, it helped to remember that yes, life would be easier when I reached financial security, but in many ways, it would also be the same: laughing with friends, feeling upset over a breakup, enjoying an episode of my favorite show before bed. This didn’t mean I stopped pursuing my goals, but it helped me feel less anxious and out of control. My debt was small compared to some, but this helped with the stress. And when you’re trying to manage your finances, stress can really get in the way. Feeling in control, even a little bit, can make a big difference.

Check out the full post at the link below.

Living with financial anxiety | Psychotherapy Brown Bag

Photo by Craig Cochrane.

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