ECONOMY & CULTURE
Insomnia. Tension. Headaches. Anxiety. Pain.
When you’re worried about paying your next electric bill, replacing the faucet that won’t stop leaking, or how you’ll afford a small gift for the birthday party your son was invited to, you become stressed, and your body reacts to that stress. Researchers have long studied the relationship between financial stress and the body. Insomnia, hypertension, metabolic disorders, prescription
drug use, and divorce rates all increase in relation to financial stress. The 2023 CNBC Your Money Survey revealed that 74% of American adults are stressed about their personal finances right now. While some view that as a purely economic issue, there’s no denying that this amount of stress should be seen as a national health crisis as well.
The Impact of Financial Stress on PHYSICAL HEALTH
Heart and Blood Pressure
Compromised Immune System
Chronic stress is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart attacks. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine published research that demonstrated that those with moderate to high levels of financial stress are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease events—like heart attacks, heart disease, or heart surgery.
Prolonged stress decreases white blood cells that help fight infections. This puts you at risk for all kinds of illnesses and infections, from the common flu to cold sores. Stress also releases a hormone called cortisol. When your body is exposed to cortisol for extended periods of time—like during times of chronic stress—your body can go into a state of chronic inflammation. Weight Fluctuations When your budget is tight, anything that is not immediately
Digestive Issues
The intricate connection between the gut and the brain means that when you’re stressed, you feel it in your stomach. Nausea, heartburn, and stomachaches are just the start. Long-term stress can change your gut microbiome, which can then alter how your body manages fats and immune defenses.
essential gets cut. Gym memberships, fresh fruits
and vegetables, hobbies, and preventive health care become unaffordable luxuries. Lack of good nutrition and a more sedentary lifestyle intensify over time, creating complex physical and mental health concerns.
MARCH 2024 | MELALEUCA.COM/LIA 69
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