They say money can’t buy happiness. But your finances do have a big impact on your health.
One of the top stressors people say they have today? If you said, “Money,” you’re right. 72% of Americans say they experience stress over their finances, interest rates, the nation’s economy, and future financial challenges.1 That stress isn’t neutral. The Lancet published the study in 2023 that when we’re under financial pressures, we are also at an increased risk for problems with our sleep, with depression, and anxiety. Played out over time, these kinds of issues can lead to a host of other issues, including hypertension, a weaker immune system, and cardiac issues.2
People also report that when they are grappling with money issues, their appetite is affected. They may feel less likely to work out or to engage in self care.
Because our finances touch so many areas of our lives, it’s hard to avoid the impact when our bank accounts don’t look like we wished they would. It’s hard to be too worried about getting enough fiber in your diet when you’re not sure how you’re going to cover the mortgage next month.3
The Brookings Institute revealed in a 2023 study that the wealthiest Americans, those in the top 1%, outlive those at the lowest income level by 10-15 years. While part of this finding is likely due to possible lowered stress and anxiety levels for those who are in the top income status, access to better healthcare and healthier living environments, including things like better nutrition and fitness coaching, also play a role.4
So what can you do to improve your financial health while also improving your physical health?
Educate yourself on finances: You’d think that financial literacy would be a required course in today’s American high schools. However, typically there is not. That means that a lot of us launch into adulthood with a vague sense of how to balance our checkbooks or create savings. Thankfully, there are numerous resources online that can help you understand basic budget-building, sunk cost accounts, interest investments, and more. (Also, check out this interview with Jessi Fearon on The allmomdoes Podcast for a simplified and informative snapshot of understanding your finances and how to create financial goals.)
Take care of your health at the preventative and early stages: People often report that they don’t have consistent medical care or tests because of the skyrocketing costs involved. This can also happen when there is a gap in employment or because traditional health insurance is too expensive. If this is your situation, you might consider looking into a health share for sharing in your eligible medical needs. Altrua HealthShare is a community of like-minded, health-conscious individuals who share in each other’s eligible medical expenses. Depending on the level of membership you choose, there are discounts on labs, medications, and on certain memberships there are built-in visits with your primary care provider for preventative care. Additionally, telehealth is also available at no additional cost.
Be proactive in your stress management: There may be seasons when there’s not much you can do about your financial situation. Job transitions, unexpected expenses, and other financial challenges may be part of your season right now. In that kind of season, it’s more important than ever to both acknowledge and find outlets for the stress you’re feeling. Pray, walks, exercise, and staying hydrated are all ways you can support yourself when you’re dealing with anxiety and monetary issues. Meet with your pastor for spiritual guidance. There are also financial advisors who can help you determine ways forward with your finances and who can help you put together a plan. These things can help you regain control of a financial spiral, giving you structure, care, and accountability.
Your physical, emotion, and financial health are all connected. As you continue your journey to live the most fulfilling and healthy life you can, take an honest and realistic look at your household budget. As you continue to educate yourself on your finances, as you discover cost-effective ways to support your physical health, you’re supporting all areas of your health.
1 https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/financial-stress
2 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(23)00059-2/fulltext
3 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02460-z
4 https://www.brookings.edu/articles/accounting-for-the-widening-mortality-gap-between-american-adults-with-and-without-a-ba/