How to stop worrying about money

Worrying about money has been so ingrained in our culture today that it has literally become an epidemic. I hate how I feel when I worry about money, and I know I do it far too often. I also know it’s unhealthy, and can easily become a bad habit. The stress and lack of sleep I endure affect other areas of my life as well. Yet there are just as effective ways to monitor my finances without the emotional and physical strain of worrying.

So what are they? Before we explore that, let’s further examine the destructive effects that worrying can have. Worrying affects not only your quality of life, but also the quality of life of those around you. Here are some ways worrying specifically harms you and your loved ones.

Wastes time

When you spend your time thinking about all possible negative outcomes, you have less time to think about and focus on more productive things. Worrying accomplishes nothing, doesn’t let you enjoy other activities, and usually begets more worrying.

Keeps you from enjoying life

When I am worried about something, I have a difficult time being in the moment and enjoying the many blessings I have. For example, it’s hard for me to really play with my son if I’m stuck on how my budget isn’t working out this month. Worrying may marginally improve my finances, but at the cost of other things dear to me like my son and my health.

Getting my mind completely off money for a bit helps me to take a fresh look at how to better plan. When money keeps you from enjoying your life, it’s a sure sign you need to reassess your
priorities.

Keeps you up at night

There is nothing worse than having a long, tiring day and then not being about to fall asleep because your mind keeps reeling over financial burdens. This is a sign that you’re trying to exert too much control over the future or that you feel helpless. Even if you’re facing foreclosure or going into bankruptcy, thinking about it when you should be asleep will not solve anything and will likely make it harder for you to deal with it the following day.

Makes you unhealthy

Headaches, muscle tension, ulcers, chest pain, and high blood pressure can all result from stressing over money. Ultimately, these health problems could end up costing you more money and will further deteriorate your quality of life.

Strains your relationships

To put it simply, if you’re constantly worrying about something, you’re probably not much fun to be around. Life goes on; people survive and solve their financial problems. Make sure you value your relationships as much as you value your checking account, regardless of whether it’s empty or full.

Moneycrashers