Mindfulness Helps Financial Anxiety

How to Survive Tough Economic Times and Manage Your Anxiety

Housing market is in a slump, stock prices falling, food prices rising, and government bailouts of banks making the news each week, it’s no surprise that many people are feeling anxious about the economy and their financial well being.
According to the American Psychological Association, Women are more likely to be concerned with their economic security. Fifty-nine percent of women said they were worried about achieving their financial goals in the next five years, compared to 46 percent of men.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder:

Anxiety disorder include: fatigue, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, edginess, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea.

Other symptoms:

• Checking online finances every hour.

• Worrying about things that are not at risk, such as bank deposits that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

• Worrying about standing in food kitchen or unemployment lines.

• Watching TV for hours each day and hearing the same information over and over.

Take these steps to reduce your anxiety:

The most effective treatments for financial anxiety are relaxation techniques such as breathing exercise, meditation, laughter yoga and eating energy foods like fruits and vegetables.

Turn off the TV. Take a break from the bad news, especially if it adds to your fear and anxiety.

Determine if immediate action is required.

Concentrate on things you can control.

Put things in perspective.

Think positively.

Stay healthy.

Talk to friend or family member.