Managing MONEY STRESS!

Worried about the cost of living? Here's how to make sure it doesn't affect your health

Whether we're stressing about the rising mortgage costs or baulking at the price of Cheddar cheese, the cost-of-living crisis has got us all worried. And while the 'account total' displayed on the ATM screen may plainly reveal the effect the economic climate is having on our bank balances, the effect on our health may not be so clear. But realising how it's affecting you and managing money stress is vital.

WHO KNEW?

Those experiencing financial stress are twice as likely to report poor health and four times more likely to complain of ailments*.

Effect on mental health

Stress activates the part of the brain that makes us feel under threat, and puts us in fight or flight mode. 'If it becomes chronic, it can impair cognitive function, including memory, concentration, decision-making and problem-solving, and can change chemicals in the brain, including serotonin,' explains counselling psychologist Dr Rina Bajaj. This plays a key role in body functions such as mood, sleep and digestion.

'We may experience feelings of guilt and shame and have negative thoughts, such as "I'm a complete failure," says Dr Bajaj. This can fuel arguments, exacerbate mood swings, or may make you angry, irritable, cause a loss of libido and wear away at your relationships.