In my years of experience, I’ve seen how financial worries can create a storm of anxiety with my clients.
So this concept I’m about to tell you may sound unconventional, but it has proven effective for so many of my clients over the past 38 years… and it really helps with their money issues.
It’s about using deep breathing and mindfulness to combat financial stress.
Wait, what?
It’s a simple, scientifically based approach, an easy way to tap in to reducing stress…
Breathing deeply… (you just took a big, deep breath, didn’t you?)
The power of deep breathing steps us into the now (mindfulness), and we often underestimate its ability to bring calm to any inside-your-head storm that’s happening.
But deep breathing is rarely, if ever, connected to our financial well-being.
When we’re anxious about finances, our body reacts as if it’s in immediate danger, triggering stress responses that cloud our judgment and escalate our fears.
When we’re in fight, flight, or freeze mode, and the sympathetic nervous system is activated, we don’t make good decisions.
Here’s what you can do to flip that stress on its head…
Take time each day to practice deep breathing—especially when you’re stressed out.
In a quiet space, breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. As you do this, it allows you to be fully present in the moment, letting go of financial worries even if just for those few minutes.
It activates your parasympathetic nervous system—rest and digest. Here’s the thing…
… you cannot be in stress and relaxation at the same time.
Breathing, is your way to control which one of your body’s response systems is active.
Hmmmm… rest or stress… I’ll take the rest any day…
Focusing on the breath is a straight-up self-care practice…
… being mindful and putting your well-being first… it steps you into mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged with the current moment without distraction or judgment.
So when you find yourself overwhelmed by financial thoughts, gently guide your focus back to the present moment—the here and now with your breath.
This practice may sound simple, but it’s a foundational step in managing financial stress. By calming our minds and bodies, we can approach our financial situation with greater clarity and rationality, and make better decisions moving into the life we really want to live…
Give it a try and take a big, deep breath.
