It seems like every purchase you make these days becomes a reminder of inflation. The items that the cashier punches up as affordable have all of a sudden become unexpectedly expensive. You are not alone if you find all of the talk about inflation to be overwhelming and confusing.
The Effects of Inflation on Mental Health
When inflation rises more quickly than anticipated, it is natural to feel overburdened and alarmed. It lessens the purchasing power of your money, which might lead to a rise in financial stress. Pressure related to money can lead to long-term worry, fatigue, conflict with spouses, and the inability to afford housing, healthcare, or a quality education.
It’s natural to worry when you’re afraid of losing your job or having to pay more for essentials. Here’s what to do if you’re anxious about potential recessions or inflation.
Mental health professionals offer advice on how to handle inflation stress.
1. Admit that you’re stressed and identify the exact cause.
Stress can be reduced by pausing, identifying, and accepting the feelings that arise from inflation-related worries and anxieties.
Is it causing you any stomach discomfort? Or chest pain? Consider what caused the worry as well. Was there a news article about layoffs? Was it triggered when you were on the grocery aisles? Taking this evaluation is an exercise in mindfulness. By practising mindfulness, we can reduce our tendency to overthink situations and gain perspective on them. Mindfulness can even assist you in beginning to solve problems if you can actually comprehend the cause of your tension or anxiety.
2. Choose a task that requires little thought to complete.
Idle pastimes, like watching your favourite movie again, going for a run, or walking your dog, might be a useful method to divert your attention from stressful situations like inflation. The next time you’re experiencing anxiety, stand back and engage in a random activity.
3. Inspire brief but happy moments
Including this anxiety-relieving activity in your daily routine is simple. One helpful tactic in times of stress and worry is to focus on the little things that have a large impact. These times can be spent just taking in the beauty of nature, such as watching the sunset.
Brief moments of appreciation, happiness, and calmness can be comforting in trying circumstances. Experiencing gratefulness has many advantages for wellness and lowering anxiety since it helps calm stressful feelings.
4. Establish a peaceful environment
Your living situation has an impact on your mental well-being. A tidy workspace could be beneficial. When you’re feeling stressed out, cleaning your home might help you feel more at ease. You can also try setting up a small area of your home for meditation or rest periods.
5. Give social relationships a priority.
Our natural urge to establish connections with other people is one of our best qualities. Seek out opportunities to connect with people instead of withdrawing into solitude, which can lead to escalating feelings of hopelessness and separation.
These interactions can be made in person, over the phone, through text, on online platforms, or through Skype with family and friends.
Making an effort to connect with people fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, thus counteracting challenges.
6. Consider keeping a journal.
One approach for relaxation during stressful times is to journal. Spend some time writing in your diary if you’re feeling uneasy. Jot down whatever comes to mind, but writing about the feelings you’re experiencing at the time might be especially beneficial.
7. Treat yourself with kindness.
Never ignore your feelings. It’s critical to practice self-compassion during these trying periods. Support for oneself is an important aspect in developing stress-resilience, according to research. Acknowledge that you are putting in all of your effort.
Remember that nothing stays forever—that is, neither good nor bad. If you’re experiencing anxiety about the future, reach out to loved ones, join a group, and make an effort to be positive.
References:
PubMed Central. Inflation hardship, gender, and mental health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10492163/
Ipsos. Personal Finance Affecting Canadians’ Mental Health. https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/personal-finance-affecting-canadians-mental-health
Verywell Mind. High Inflation Rates Impact Almost Every Aspect of Our Lives, Including Mental Health. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-rising-inflation-is-impacting-mental-health-5546955
Fidelity. How to cope with inflation stress, according to mental health experts. https://www.fidelity.ca/en/insights/articles/how-to-cope-with-inflation-stress/
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