10 Stress Relief Tips For The Financially Broke

If you’re finding that your wallet is a little “thin” these days, you’ll most likely want to take action to reduce your financial troubles and relieve your stress. There’s almost nothing more stressful than having too much “month left over at the end of your money”. Here are some stress relief tips that might help lighten your stress load.

1. Be honest about your financial problems. Many of us tend to use avoidance to manage our money—not a good plan. The problem with this way of dealing with financial stress is that you continue to have the same money problems again and again. Every time a bill comes due, you experience the same stress and anxiety over and over. While you may have moments of freedom from “financial cares”, deep down you know the same money worries will raise their ugly heads in about 30 days.

2. Track your spending habits. Part of “owning” your financial situation is to keep track of how much money you spend and where you spend it. When you see in black and white how much money you have going out, you’re much more likely to find some areas where you can make choices and adjustments that are more financially sound.

3. Cut expenses. Look for creative ways to cut expenses. For some individuals this means skipping their daily $5.00 latte or bringing their lunch to work a few days a week. For others it may mean to eliminating cable service, or at least a few movie channels. There are several so called “luxuries” that we tend to think of as necessities. You should “trim the fat” and get rid of any unnecessary expenditures that are luxuries you can do without—at least for a while.

4. Focus on freebies. If you do some investigating, you’re likely to find several activities and events in your community that are free or at least very inexpensive. This is a great way to cut down on expenses and save money on entertainment while still being able to relax and enjoy social activities with friends and family—which is a great stress reliever in itself.

5. Look for ways to grow your income. Sometimes just a small increase in income can be a great stress relief both to you and your budget. Try working seasonal, part-time, or temporary jobs to bring in a little extra money. Deliver pizzas in the evening or mow some lawns in your neighborhood. Internet marketing also provides an excellent way to work from home with flexible hours. Though it may not provide immediate substantial income, it’s a sound business model that can grow over time into a solid source of extra income.

6. Focus on your family. Parents most always feel like they’re the only ones with the responsibility to deal with their family’s finances. While you don’t want to burden your children with financial worries, it’s vitally important that you teach them how to manage money. Allow them to take a small part in the household financial decisions. It will be a great life lesson as to how to prioritize and handle financial responsibility.

7. Improve job skill set. If you need to increase your household income, it may be time to improve or learn new job skills. Your community may provided workshops and night school classes that provide certifications that can help you to qualify for a better, higher-paying job.

8. Live within your means. Many people these days live in homes and drive cars that they can’t afford. Make an honest assessment and decide whether it may be time to downsize to a less expensive and less financially stressful lifestyle.

9. Stay healthy. When finances are tight, other important areas of your life may go by the wayside. During times of financial stress make sure to eat healthy foods and get regular exercise—even if it’s just a daily walk to get some fresh air and sunshine. This will help to reduce stress and keep you healthy and balanced.

10. Learn relaxation techniques. If your mind is stressed with financial worries, it always helps to take a few moments each day to get “centered”. Meditation or prayer for just a few minutes each day can make all the difference in gaining perspective and staying positive about your financial situation. You can also try deep breathing and stretching exercises to release tension in your body.