The Link Between Money Stress and Illness

No matter who you are or what you do for a living, money stress can be a big problem. Stressing out over financial concerns is something that virtually everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Stress related to money can lead to serious health consequences that you may not even see coming until it’s too late.

How Does Stress Affect the Body?

Stress affects the body in many ways, and most of the effects of stress on the body are negative. Even positive stress that comes from exciting and challenging times in your life can add up, placing more strain on your heart, your digestive system, and more.

When you experience stress, your body automatically responds by pumping more blood. This causes your heart to work harder, and it can also increase pressure in your veins and arteries. If you’re already experiencing heart problems or high blood pressure, this can become a dangerous situation.

Additionally, your stomach may process its contents more slowly as your body attempts to hold onto energy stores. This may cause indigestion and heartburn, and while you’re already stressed, these symptoms can make things feel even more stressful.

How Does Stress Affect the Mind?

While the effects of stressing out over money are bad enough when you look at how they affect the body, they can be even worse for the mind. Worrying about money issues can lead to insomnia, depression, anxiety, and mental fatigue. As these symptoms worsen, they can go on to affect your performance at work, your social relationships, and your family life.

To make matters worse, stress over money can cause your brain to signal the production of more cortisol. This hormone is what can lead to weight gain by increasing glucose in your bloodstream. Left unchecked, excess glucose can damage organs and lead to other health difficulties. This is why it’s important to have a physical exam conducted by your doctor if you’ve been stressing out over money for any length of time recently.

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