Is Your Nervous System Causing You Money Anxiety? Here’s What to Do…
Source: NEUROFIT
Money and finances are one of the leading causes of stress and anxiety, but what if there was a way to overcome these worries and find peace and stability around your finances instead?
The state of your nervous system can greatly impact the state of your finances. In this article, we’ll dive into the key sources of financial stress, how your nervous system responds to this stress, and what you can do to overcome any anxiety you hold around money.
What is Money Anxiety?
Money anxiety is a form of stress or worry related to finances. It's more than just being concerned about paying bills on time; it's a persistent worry about money that can affect your overall well-being. This kind of anxiety can stem from various sources – uncertainty about the future, the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle, or even past financial trauma.
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America Report, money is the most cited factor that has a negative impact on U.S. adults’ mental health. Of those who say money has a negative impact on their mental health:
57% experience financial stress at least weekly.
29% experience financial stress daily.
82% experience financial stress at least monthly.
Signs and Symptoms of Money Anxiety
Money anxiety can manifest in a number of ways and varies from person-to-person, but here are some of the more common symptoms:
Constant worry about money, regardless of your financial situation.
Avoiding checking bank accounts or thinking about money.
Insomnia or trouble sleeping due to financial worries.
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues when thinking about finances.
Overworking or compulsively saving due to fear of financial instability.
Whether you’re experiencing just one or multiple symptoms, recognizing the signs is a great first step to tackling money anxiety.
The Relationship Between Money Anxiety and Your Nervous System
The nervous system plays a vital role in how we experience and process stress, including money-related stress. When we face a stressor, our body activates the 'fight or flight' response, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. This response is designed for short-term survival, not chronic stressors like financial worries. Constant activation of this system can lead to various health problems, both physical and mental.
Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for 'rest and digest,' can help alleviate stress. However, in cases of chronic money anxiety, this system often doesn't get a chance to engage and bring the body back to a state of balance. This is why adopting tools such as somatic exercises for stress management is so important.
How the Nervous System Responds to Financial Stress
When dealing with money anxiety or financial stress, people typically exhibit one of two stress responses:
The Shutdown Response: This response is characterized by withdrawal and avoidance. You might find yourself ignoring bills, not opening bank statements, or avoiding any conversation about money. It’s a defense mechanism where your system tries to 'play dead' to the stressor.
The Sympathetic Response: In this response, your body is in a state of high alert. You may overwork, constantly check your financial status, or worry excessively about future financial disasters. This response is fueled by the 'fight or flight' system and can lead to burnout and other health issues.
Source: NEUROFIT
Managing Your Money Anxiety
Understanding the connection between stress and the nervous system is a major component to overcoming money anxiety. Approaching stress and anxiety from a somatic (body-focused) standpoint will allow you to address the root cause of your money issues.
Change Your Money Story
As you begin to notice what triggers your money anxiety, the next step is to understand why you are feeling so anxious. At the root of every trigger is a story your subconscious has formed and that your nervous system is playing out. Remember, the state of your nervous system directly influences your experience of the world around you so if you don’t like the story being told, it’s up to you to change it.
Some prevalent money story’s include:
“I’ll never have enough money.”
“Having too much money is selfish.”
“Making money is hard work.”
“If I don’t save my money, I’ll lose it.”
These subconscious beliefs can be deeply ingrained and not always immediately apparent. However, identifying and challenging them is a crucial step towards developing a healthier, more balanced relationship with money.
Somatic Tools for Money Anxiety
If your feeling overwhelmed with stress or anxiety around money, it’s essential to find ways to balance your nervous system and feel more secure around your financial status. The nervous system craves stability and using the following tools will help you find just that.
Get CLEAR About Your Money Anxiety
The NEUROFIT App offers a unique and personalized experience to get clear on your money issues within just a few minutes. Our AI-Coach, CLEAR will help you identify and understand just what is causing your anxiety around money and quickly help you begin reframing that negative money story you’ve been holding onto.
CLEAR offers unlimited (and private) coaching to help you eliminate any unwanted symptoms of stress and anxiety around money and breakthrough to a new level of peace and financial freedom.
Somatic Exercises for Financial Stress
Somatic exercises are an easy and highly effective tool for reducing financial stress. Because somatic exercises are designed to release stress and shift your nervous system state, you will quickly be able to ground, regulate your emotions, and create a sense of peace around your current financial status.
Somatic exercises offer an opportunity for your body to relax, release stored tension, and build greater resiliency to stress. Inside the NEUROFIT App, you can find recommended exercises that address your current nervous system state, backed by thousands of user sessions and feedback.
Visit our Somatic Exercises section of the blog to learn more about these benefits.
Social Support for Financial Concerns
Through the process of co-regulation, our nervous system helps us to regulate our emotions in response to the emotions of others. We have a highly social nervous comprised of nerves and neurons that will mirror-and-match the emotions and actions of those around us.
This is why seeking positive social support can be so impactful when dealing with money anxiety. Finding a group program that can provide a sense of safety for your nervous system can help you find the right tools and guidance for your money goals and feel less alone when dealing with stress or anxiety.
CONCLUSION
Money anxiety is a real and challenging issue, but understanding its roots in the nervous system can empower you to tackle it effectively. By recognizing the signs and implementing strategies to manage stress, you can create a healthier relationship with your finances and improve your overall well-being. Remember, it’s not just about managing money but also managing the stress and anxiety that come with it.