Dealing With the Financial Stress of the Holidays

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Genevieve Cunningham

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the economy has seen better days. House prices are soaring, grocery prices are outrageous, while wages simply can't keep up. With the state of our world and society, financial stress is almost a guarantee. And to make matters worse, we're constantly bombarded by social media influencers telling us how easy it is to be a millionaire.

How can we be expected to keep up with the newest trends when we can barely stay afloat? We can't, and that creates a new problem all on its own. It's a cycle of stress and money woes. Are you in the cycle? In today’s volatile economy, the answer is probably yes.

Is Financial Stress an Issue in America?

America is supposed to be the land of opportunity, and in many ways it still is. America is first world, after all. As a country, we make a lot of money and spend a lot of money. But in recent years, it's getting harder to survive. Approximately 40 percent of American adults report struggling to make ends meet each month. If you fall into this category, you’re definitely not alone. A little more than 25 million Americans are using credit cards to get by financially. About 74 percent of Americans readily admit that finances are a big stress point. Not only is financial stress an issue in America, but money is a big source of stress with a big impact.

What Are the Symptoms of Financial Stress?

How do we know when we’re dealing with financial stress? You might think it’s pretty easy to tell. It’s when you feel stressed about paying for something, right? Worrying over a particular expense is normal, and it can certainly bring about stress, but it’s not the only symptom of financial stress. In fact, this kind of stress can hit long before we’re in obvious financial problems. If you suspect you’re dealing with ongoing financial stress, you may experience some of the following symptoms.

• Mood swings - You may feel yourself going from contentment to anger to despair. The worse your financial situation, the more volatile these swings are likely to be.
• Exhaustion - Any kind of stress can bring about exhaustion. Financial stress can bring about a deep mental and emotional exhaustion that seeps into everyday life.
• Insomnia - The constant worry about keeping up financially can cause sleep disturbances. You may have trouble falling asleep, or you may have trouble staying asleep. Both can have a negative impact on quality of life.
• Physical discomfort - Aches and pains, especially in areas where we hold tension, tend to flare up in stressful situations. Since financial stress is often ongoing, aches and pains become par for the course.
• Guilt - Even though we can’t control the economy, we often experience guilt with financial stress. If we need to make a purchase, see a doctor, or spend any extra money, we feel guilty about it.

What Health Impact Does Financial Stress Have on People?

Financial stress can cause more than temporary problems in your life. It can cause serious health issues. Worries over money might cause short-term problems such as a pounding heart, excessive sweating, weight gain, and mental health issues such as anxiety attacks. The good news is that once you are able to deal with any ongoing financial situations, these health problems are likely to disappear.

Other health problems caused by financial worry may be more serious and longer lasting. The risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke all rise with an increase in stress. The risk of major depression goes up. These are serious problems that could affect both the present and future. They affect quality of life. Learning to deal with financial stress will definitely help, but these health issues are serious and require the attention of a healthcare professional to keep you in the best condition.

Are Financial Issues a Problem During the Holidays?

Although we certainly look forward to the holiday season, it’s not the best time of year for those experiencing financial strain. Holiday spending is high. Besides gifts, we also buy food, decorations, clothing, and activities. It’s hard to keep up. Studies suggest that 66 percent of adults report even more stress through the holidays. Luckily, there are a few things we can do to lower stress, whether it’s during the holidays or any other time of year.

• Learn to budget - Budgeting is a skill. If you don’t know how, talk to a trusted friend or a financial advisor to help you understand how to manage your financial situation.
• Set financial goals - Set goals with your finances, but make sure they’re achievable. You won’t make a million dollars in a month. You probably won’t get out of debt in a year. But cutting back on an expense or saving a little more? That’s a goal you can reach.
• Exercise - This won’t help you with your finances, but it will definitely help with your stress and its effects. Don’t spend any money on it. Just go for daily walks to lower stress and boost health.
• Get regular care - Whether it’s check-ups at the doctor or regular chiropractic care, taking care of your body and health is crucial.

You may think that seeing a doctor, a chiropractor, or any other healthcare professional is the last thing you can afford, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In most instances, insurance covers yearly well-checks. And if you need a chiropractor, you can visit The Joint Chiropractic, where the cost has already been taken into consideration so that everyone can get the care they need without relying on insurance.

What is the Value of The Joint Chiropractic’s Price Point on Healthcare?

The Joint Chiropractic offers affordable care. It’s not a surprise expense that hits you weeks after you’ve been to the clinic. The Joint provides affordable chiropractic care -- paid monthly, depending on the plan or package -- that allows regular visits and ongoing care. It’s perfect for anyone learning to budget. Anyone learning to manage financial stress. Anyone who wants the benefits of better health.

If you’re still on the fence, consider the value. The value of The Joint’s affordable pricing is not in the dollars spent or the dollars saved. Regular chiropractic care can help you manage the effects of stress. It can help with aches and pains, stiff joints and muscles, poor sleep, and more. It encourages good physical health, which then has a positive knock-on effect on your mental health.

The value of chiropractic care in your life is important to your long-term well-being, your health, and your happiness. And that is a bargain that you really shouldn’t miss.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.