Meditation to cope with financial stress
Before you skip this one because you think meditation is too woowoo, take a moment to contemplate how frequently money stresses you out, keeps you awake or causes family friction.
A Crew member uses a top-rated meditation app and discovered a course specifically for managing financial stress, which coincidentally recommends the same actions to stay afloat as Debtfix.
We must be doing something right.
The first thing that comes to a cynical and slightly paranoid mind is how do our phones know what is going on our lives, and how does the meditation app know we experience financial stress? To be honest we are not entirely sure, but we do know the meditation course will have been developed in response to a globally common human condition – money troubles. Anyone who has participated in guided meditation will understand that we all experience self-doubt and stress, just because we are human.
Try managing financial stress in a different way
If you are continuously distressed by the arrival of another bill or a phone call about an outstanding payment, it could be time to use meditation to cope with financial worries. Meditation can offer you some real emotional relief from money problems as well as the other things that chatter away in your mind. You have nothing to lose, and it will give you another tool in your kit to reduce stress and connect better with those around you.
There are meditation resources available at public libraries, but you may need to request these as they are frequently on loan. Search online for mindfulness and meditation courses and apps you can do in your own time but be aware that you will usually need to pay for these after the first free trial. Also, there are loads of free options on YouTube. For something in your neighbourhood look in the what’s on section of your local newspaper where you can find the occasional free community meditation event, which is a good way to try the practice.
A significant part of mediation is relaxing breathing and everyone finds this useful in many aspects of their lives. Meditation or mindfulness do not have to be religious, rather it is the practice of pausing.
Common themes of the guided meditation for money problems
The meditation app really was on the ball with the strategy to manage money stresses and here were some of the recommendations provided during the meditation sessions.
Acknowledgement and acceptance
Once we acknowledge we have a problem with debt or money we can make plans to change our financial situation. Also, when we recognise financial challenges are stressing us we can note that feeling, accept it and be aware that it doesn’t define us. It’s just a feeling.
Write down incomings and outgoings
We love this at Debtfix because it is what we always recommend for people who contact us. We all need to know our income, our bills and living expenses and what debts we need to repay.
Get help
Yes – we hear you mindfulness gurus. So often people try to sort out their money problems on their own, which is almost impossible when you don’t know where to start and what options are available to resolve problem debt.
Talk to someone
Yes – we hear you again meditation peeps. We need to stop hiding our money woes in shame and we need to start talking more openly about the financial worries facing many New Zealanders. Also, those we talk with need to be non-judgemental and supportive to encourage open conversations. Read Show support rather than money shaming.
Gratitude
An important part of mindfulness and meditation is recognising the good things you have, rather than focusing on the bad stuff. Try to find something every day that you are grateful for, no matter how small or possibly insignificant it is. For example, you might be grateful for a favourite pair of comfy slippers because they remind you of someone who gave them to you.
Do something for free
The Debtfix Crew is super-supportive of people doing more things that cost nothing. Right now, Aotearoa is celebrating Matariki and there are lots of free events throughout the country. Also, have a look at Fun with no funds.
This is only temporary
Feelings, stresses and financial problems are not permanent, and as the Debtfix Crew says, “There is a solution.” We tend to focus on the sensations we have when a problem overwhelms us and with mindfulness you can learn to also observe when clear skies are on the horizon and the storm has passed.
Spend money mindfully
The Covid-19 pandemic has made many of us re-evaluate what is important to us and the same goes for how we spend our money. If you can’t afford to buy everything, you need to decide what is really important and reflect upon your true feelings when you go on a shopping spree.
If money and debt overwhelm you, contact Debtfix and also, try dipping your toes into meditation or mindfulness.
The Mental Health Foundation has some great suggestion on being more mindful here. You can also download a free app Mentemia that includes coaching for breathing techniques and other mindfulness activities.
As the saying goes, don’t knock it until you try it.