Updated insider information by Chellie Campbell, author of “The Wealthy Spirit: Daily Affirmations for Financial Stress Reduction”
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323-November 19
“Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse.”—Lily Tomlin
“Help me, Chellie, I’m in crisis!” cried Ellen. Having embarked on a new career in real estate eleven months before, she was having a difficult time and had not yet sold a piece of property. “I’m not doing my affirmations, I’m in denial about my finances, I can’t do the budget homework, and I’m not sending out ships. I just can’t do it!” As we talked, she laughed at herself and told me I should get some “Woe is Me” buttons to go with the “Yeah, but” buttons.
At times like these, life just seems so hard. We know what we should be doing, but the power to do it escapes us. We look at the wreckage we have created and want the deus ex machina of the Greek playwrights to come lift us up and carry us off to paradise. But there is no God machine and no Black Limo. The only paradise we find is the one we create for ourselves.
But how do we lift ourselves up out of the muck of our distress and move on? That’s where pain comes in. Ellen reminded me of my friend Gracie, who had had similar problems.
Gracie was stuck in the muck. Her last relationship had ended badly, she was underpaid in her teaching job; depression and bills were piling up. She cried on my shoulder on many occasions and I tried to make helpful suggestions, all of which were roundly rebuffed, especially the idea that she might want to see a psychotherapist. She was horrified at the thought of seeing a mental health professional and “yeah, butted” everything else. Finally, I gave up, realizing that I could do nothing to help but sympathize and listen.
Two years later, we sat huddled together in her living room while a storm raged outside. The electricity had gone out, and we talked in candlelight. Some surprise bill had made a nasty appearance in her mailbox that afternoon and had sent Gracie into a crashing tailspin. Her life looked as black as the rainy night, and she stormed and cried in harmony with the thunder. Finally she sobbed, “I know you think I should go to a therapist, but I just can’t!” “Well,” I sighed, “I guess you don’t hurt badly enough yet.”
The next morning, Gracie asked me for the telephone number of a therapist. Amazed, I asked what had changed her mind. She said she didn’t want to hurt any worse than she did then and if I thought seeing a therapist might help, she would try it.
Within a year, Gracie had a new job, a better salary, and a husband. Paradise.
I told Ellen this story. She grumbled, giggled, then got back to work. Four weeks later, she sold her first house for $750,000—and two more the next month.
Pain is there to make us move. Our highest good is on the other side of the pain. When it hurts badly enough, we will go get it.
How bad are you hurting?
Today’s Affirmation: “I live happily in the rich paradise I have created.”
15 Ways Financial Stress Affects You Physically – Part II
The state of the economy has left many people and families worried about money. From paying bills to finding a job to coping with high medical costs, it can be hard to think of anything else when financial woes come your way. It’s no secret that stress from finances can play a big role in changing your mental state, causing mood swings or even depression, but many may not realize what a marked effect it can also have on your physical well-being. Stress, whether from finances or other conflicts in your life, can do a number on your overall health, often in ways that you may not even realize are related to stress. If you’re going through a stressful financial situation, make sure you take good care of your body, take time to relax, and get help to make sure these harmful physical effects don’t take a toll on you.
9. Dental issues and gum disease
Stress seems to have an effect on every part of the body, and your teeth and gums are no exception. Stress can cause many to grind their teeth or pay little attention to oral hygiene and healthy eating, which may ultimately lead to a decline in oral health. It can also cause painful canker and cold sores, most likely due to a compromised immune system. Studies have also shown that even short-term stress can lead to increased levels of dental plaque, which can increase an individual’s risk of developing gingivitis. You may not be able to get rid of all the stress in your life, but you can practice good dental hygiene, which will help reduce your risk of developing any painful or problematic issues with your oral health.
10. Increased risk of diabetes
Stress can cause a spike in blood sugar, which can affect both those who already have diabetes and those who don’t in negative ways. While development of diabetes is often also related to other health factors like obesity and genetics, stress can often be a trigger that makes underlying conditions even worse and could push your body into a dangerous place, health-wise. For women, the link between stress and diabetes is stronger, so they need to be especially careful to monitor themselves for any early signs of the condition.
11. Breakouts and skin problems
Just when you want and need to look your best, stress makes you look your worst. When you’re stressed, your brain releases stress hormones and your immune system may be weakened, both factors that can cause your skin to go haywire. Bacteria trapped in pores, which your body can’t fight off, can lead to breakouts, and your skin may become oily, flushed, dry, or inflamed in response to stress. Some people may get hives or rashes, while others may have painful, sensitive skin. Whatever the result, stress is just plain bad for your skin, and it’s essential to keep it moisturized and clean and eat well when pressure’s high.
12. Weight gain or loss
Depending on your genetic makeup and personality, stress can cause either weight loss or weight gain. Some people may experience a loss of appetite when under stress that makes them eat less and lose weight. Others may eat more to help them cope with the emotional distress caused by financial issues. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can often play a role in weight gain by increasing appetite and holding weight in your mid-section — a holdover from our caveman days, when stress was a response to a danger that would have left us needing to replenish energy supplies. Studies have found that weight loss occurs more often as a response to short-term stress, while prolonged stresses generally cause weight gain.
13. Joint pain
Joint pain is often caused by chronic inflammation, which can be worsened when the body is under stress. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is an inflammatory agent and can leave all parts of the body, from the internal organs to the joints, inflamed and quite painful. For those who have noticed an increase in joint and muscle pain along with an increase in stress, there are several ways to help your body feel better. It can often be helpful to avoid eating sweets and foods with a lot of carbs as these can cause additional inflammation. Instead, seek out omega-3s in your foods, which can help reduce inflammation. Exercise can also help to loosen up painful joints.
14. Coping with stress through unhealthy behaviors
Studies have shown that people under stress often engage in unhealthy drinking, drug use, and overeating. All of these behaviors can have serious health effects that can last well after a stressful event is over, and drinking and drug use, if done in excess, could even lead to death, paralysis, or other very serious effects. While these activities may lead to short-term reductions in stress, they offer little in long-term resolutions of stress, and can actually increase stress if they lead to a loss of a job, serious health issues, or financial problems. Those who are having difficulty coping with financial issues should seek out someone to talk to and engage in other, healthier methods of coping like exercise.
15. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath generally freaks people out, and for good reason. It could be an early sign of a serious health issue. It can, however, also be a side effect of prolonged stress. Stress can lead to panic attacks, which can cause chest pressure and shortness of breath. It can also increase your risk of conditions like heart disease, which sometimes have the side effect of shortness of breath. Those who have asthma or other breathing problems may find that their condition is worsened considerably when under stress. Anytime you are experiencing shortness of breath, visit a doctor to ensure it is not a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
This post is written by Liz Nutt. I am a freelance writer and blogger who regularly writes for Insurancequotes.org. I love to write blogging, finance,business, health related articles. I can be reached at: liznutt1@gmail.com . Our article Link : (http://http://www.insurancequotes.org/15-ways-financial-stress-affects-you-physically/).
