Financial strains have caused many individuals to feel burdened and negatively impacted. Around 87% of Americans polled by the American Psychiatric Association affirmed they felt anxious due to inflation.
Below are a few tips to mitigate the effects of anxiety:
- Consult a financial planner. If finances are a main source of worry, then working with a professional may alleviate some of those feelings. A financial planner can help to identify problem areas and offer manageable solutions and obtainable goals.
- Reframe perspectives. Instead of focusing on what is uncontrollable, focus on what can be controlled. Individuals cannot change prices or the effects of inflation; however, they can control how they prepare to weather the changing economy.
- Remove unhelpful resources. Whether it be the media or negative people, avoid what aggravates feelings of anxiety. Find media that provides information without invoking stress. Similarly, avoid the topic of finances with individuals who offer negative opinions.
- Refer to trusted sources. Many people lean on their friends and family for help in difficult times. They can provide tangible and moral support. Additionally, community organizations offer assistance connecting those in need to programs that provide food, rent assistance, and other resources.
Mental health can suffer from a variety of outside influences, including seasons. This winter, it is important to focus on self-care to reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Individuals can exercise regularly, get fresh air, let in more natural light, and organize cluttered areas. All of these suggestions have proven to reduce low moods and produce feelings of accomplishment.