Tips for dealing with stress related to cost of living crisis

Authored by ARAG

With the cost of living rising at its fastest rate for 41 years, this is going to be a tough winter for many people. Our partner, Vita Health Group, has some tips for this winter.

Talk to someone

When you are facing money problems or worrying about an increase in your monthly outgoings, there’s often a strong temptation to bottle everything up. Sadly, this will only make your financial stress worse. Instead, the answer is to talk about it. Not only is talking face-to-face with a trusted friend or loved one a proven means of stress relief, but speaking openly about your financial problems can also help you put things in perspective too. Remember the person you talk to doesn’t need to be able to fix your issues, they just need to listen without judgement.

Get moving

You would be surprised at the toll financial stress can take on your physical health. Even a little regular exercise can help ease stress, boost your mood and energy, and improve your self-esteem. Aim for 30 minutes on most days, broken up into short 10-minute bursts if that’s easier. Remember exercise doesn’t have to mean paying a gym membership; a brisk walk or run is free.

Practice relaxation techniques daily

Take time to relax each day and give your mind a break from the constant worrying about how you will make ends meet. Meditating, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques like a nature walk or reading a book are excellent ways to relieve stress and restore some balance to your life.

Don’t skimp on sleep

It can be hard enough to nod off at the best of times if we are worrying about our finances, but try to ensure you are getting a good night’s sleep where possible. Feeling tired will increase your stress and negative thought patterns. Finding ways to improve your sleep will help both your mind and body. Try to avoid screens late at night and keep your bedroom dark and cool. Aim to keep your bedroom for sleeping only and ban any reminders of work or your stressors (such as unpaid bills) from your bedroom.

Boost your self-esteem

Rightly or wrongly, experiencing financial problems and worrying about increases in your outgoings, can cause you to feel like a failure and impact your self-esteem. But there are plenty of other, more rewarding ways to improve your sense of self-worth. Even when you’re struggling yourself, helping others by volunteering can increase your confidence and ease stress, anger, and anxiety. You could also spend time in nature, learn a new skill, or enjoy the company of people who appreciate you for who you are, rather than for your bank balance.

Seek professional advice

Depending on where you live, there are several organisations that offer free counselling on dealing with financial problems and this will include helping you with your increasing monthly spend. Whether or not you have a friend or loved one to talk to for emotional support, getting practical advice from an expert is always a good idea. Remember, reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it doesn’t mean that you’ve somehow failed as a provider, parent, or spouse, it just means that you’re wise enough to recognise your financial situation needs addressing.

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