Understanding the relationship between financial and physical wellness

Financial stress can be a burden, but did you know it can also have a negative effect on your health? Understanding the relationship between financial and physical wellness can help you improve both areas of your life.
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Health Concerns

Financial stress often causes anxiety, depression and hopelessness, and that stress can also contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, more frequent colds and minor illnesses and more. Plus, many cope with financial stress in unhealthy ways, such as smoking, drinking and overeating, which can decrease overall health.

Impact on Medical Care

Often, people with financial burdens neglect important preventive care or medication regimens. While this saves money in the short term, it often leads to more serious health problems down the road—and more medical bills.

Making Smarter Decisions

Health care is expensive, but it should not be neglected due to financial trouble. Instead, there are ways to spend your money more wisely, which will improve your overall health and ease your financial strain.

• Take advantage of preventive care services. Screenings and check-ups can help prevent bigger medical problems (and expenses) down the road.
• Manage chronic conditions. By not adhering to treatment and medication regimens, your condition could worsen significantly. Consider mail-order pharmacies to save money on your prescriptions.

• Learn more about your employer’s benefit plans. There may be cost-saving options you are not taking full advantage of.

Coping with Financial Stress

Although the strategies above will help your medical costs and overall health, you likely still face financial worries. Here are healthy ways to cope with that stress and make it more manageable:

• Recognize unhealthy coping methods and find alternatives such as meditation, exercising, or talking with a friend.
• Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. Give yourself time to relax and unwind.
• Talk to a financial advisor regarding your finances. You won’t be able to fix your finances overnight, but having a plan of action can help you feel in control and minimize feelings of hopelessness.