January is Financial Wellness month, which was meant to remind us to give our financial wellbeing some extra attention starting the new year. We all know that financial stress can be a burden, but 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.

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 over-eating, which can decrease overall health.

Here are healthy ways to cope with that stress and make it more manageable:

1. Recognize your unhealthy coping methods and find alternatives such as meditation, exercising or talking with a friend.
2. Take care of yourself.  Get enough sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.  Make time for yourself to just relax and unwind.
3. Talk to an advisor regarding your financial troubles.  You won’t be able to fix them overnight, but having a plan of action can help you feel in control and minimize feelings of hopelessness.
4. Access the many free resources available on YouTube, Search Engines to find a budget tracking system that will work best for you.  There are many free or cost effective apps, tools, and guidebooks to assist you.

Know that you aren’t alone and utilize this month to help make a plan to get your financial wellness back on track!

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.