How to minimize effects of stress over finances

Releasing stress is essential in order to perform jobs and social functions but this can also affect finances.

10:14 01 June 2013

Stress affects people in different ways, but no-one is really immune to it. In a recent study it appears that surgeries towards the end of the week reportedly may result in the highest number of fatalities, with the worst being on the weekends.

 

Most of us can probably relate to how we feel by the end of our working week. We deal with stress in different ways: visiting a spa, working out, getting outside, hobbies, eating, or shopping. Some affect our finances more than others.

 

Probably not many of us think of saving our money as a good way to relieve stress, but sometimes our habits negatively impact our finances as well, which causes even more stress.

 

Here are a few ways to make sure that your stress doesn’t negatively impact your finances:

 

• Window shop-window shopping might not be as much fun because you don’t have anything to bring home, but if you leave your money at home, you might find you don’t need to buy anything and you’ll still feel better. Perhaps you’ll feel doubly better after realizing you didn’t spend any money. 

 

• Healthy eating-if you tend to be an emotional eater, you know just how difficult it can be after a stressful day or week to avoid the sweets and fatty foods. We all have comfort foods, but there are a few ways you can make sure this habit doesn’t affect your finances or your waistline. Try to train yourself to look forward to healthier food, such as trying a new dish. You can also try to find a single serving so it costs you less and you won’t eat as much of the bad food. 

 

• Minimize costs-hobbies and sports are very healthy ways to deal with stress, but both can sometimes gauge your finances. Keep an eye out for discounts, special passes, or even certain times during the year that you might benefit from reduced prices.