Financial challenges can feel overwhelming and burdensome. However, tough times don’t last, and there are ways to navigate a financially stressful time. Although you can’t become debt-free overnight or make your money problems disappear with a wave of your hand, it may be possible to achieve these financial goals by implementing a few healthy money habits.
You may underestimate the impact of implementing healthy habits on your lifestyle, but your finances and health will both thank you. There is no greater wealth than your health, and stressing about money only adds to a lack of clarity and resourcefulness to tackle your most pressing needs. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your finances with a few strategic approaches while ensuring you stay healthy and stress-free!
In this article, we bring you a few tips to help you manage your finances and mental health better!
1. Budget for Better Financial Health

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People often land themselves in a financial quagmire not because they lack money, but because they lack the know-how to manage their finances better. Proper financial management can help you save more and ensure you have money for your most important financial needs.
Budgeting is a time-tested financial strategy that has helped many individuals regain financial control. A detailed budget allows you to assess your income and expenditures better.
Additionally, having a budget in place enables you to curb unnecessary expenses and encourages a saving habit. Therefore, creating a budget and following through with your saving goals can be a good financial habit to cultivate for long-term financial health.
2. Look for Financial Advice

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Budgeting consistently and prioritising essential expenses can free up a few pounds. Although it’s important to use an effective budgeting strategy to pull back your finances, it may take a while to see its positive impact on your financial health.
Moreover, it’s best to consult a financial advisor if your financial goals involve debt consolidation or you’re grappling with loan options to meet urgent financial expenses. They can help you navigate your financial affairs better and even help you with options for loans with bad credit.
Organisations such as CitizensAdvice, the National Debtline, Salad Money, and MoneyHelper all offer financial advice for free. Their expertise could prove valuable in attaining your financial goals and optimising your financial health.
3. Be Part of the Gig Economy
The gig economy has risen in popularity over the last few years and has proven to be a boon for those looking to earn a few extra pounds. While an additional source of income is always welcome, it’s also a great way to spend your time productively doing something you love. Moreover, when you are productively engaged, you have less time to stress and more work to keep you busy!
Gig work is also a great option for people looking for the best home side hustle in line with their hobbies. While creatives and freelancers form a major chunk of current gig workers, people with niche hobbies and unique talents have a great platform to showcase their work. Taking on a gig helps you spend time meaningfully and brings your latent skills to the forefront while earning money.
4. Healthy Habits for Life

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Incorporating healthy habits is important to manage your finances and health better. In a fast-paced world where people already face challenges in maintaining work-life balance, healthy habits can help alleviate stress mentally and physically. Financial stress can be a bummer for your mental health, and your physical health mustn’t be further burdened by it.
Practising mindfulness and making time for exercise or even outdoor activities can help greatly in managing stress. These don’t cost you any money and are often powerful ways to combat the harmful effects of stress. You can also consider eating healthier by adopting a balanced diet to improve your overall health.
5. Look for Low-Cost Credit Options
In times of financial distress, credit options can be helpful to manage your expenses. While various loan options are available, low-cost credit options are likely to be more affordable and won’t prove burdensome.
However, it’s important to do your due diligence on credit options and lenders alike to find the best possible choice for you. Nonprofit lenders and credit unions often offer low-cost credit loans. These are helpful to fund your short-term financial needs.
You can also consider borrowing from direct lenders for a more personalised credit offering. Direct lenders are known to disburse funds quickly, have no hidden charges or costs, and are transparent about their terms and conditions.
Conclusion
You can use an effective budgeting strategy to turn around your finances, but don’t expect it to bring you results overnight. However, with sustained efforts, you are bound to see your finances improve and grow. By taking on a gig, you also expand your possibilities to earn additional income and alleviate financial stress.
Managing stress is essential to ensuring healthy outcomes for your mental health and finances. While it’s important to save for a rainy day and manage your finances better, stressing about something transient is not worth your time or energy. Focus on what you can control and be grateful for the little things.
We hope this article has helped you manage your stress better in financially distressing times.