Unmanaged stress can impact your bottom line
From 2020 to 2022, I, like many others, faced significant stress. I was thousands of miles away from my family during a global pandemic, experienced feelings of isolation, racial injustice was being broadcasted on all mainstream platforms, and their was an intense focus on the stock market—this all took a toll on me emotionally, mentally, and physically. I felt stuck in my career, gained weight and experienced sporadic eye twitching.
One day, while chatting with a friend, she mentioned that she too had developed a twitch, which her therapist attributed to stress. I was shocked! I had no idea what was causing my eye twitch, though I knew it wasn’t normal, I had been ignoring it and pushing through. She recommended that I read Burnout: The Secrets to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Amelia Nagasaki.
The book helped me realize stress was trapped in my body and wasn’t being properly released. During the height of the pandemic, I lost motivation to work out, started consuming more processed foods, struggled with sleep and constantly felt anxious.
Reading Burnout helped me realize the importance of physical activity to release stress. I began walking daily for my mental and emotional health. While I enjoy intense workouts, I found walking to be particularly effective in managing my stress. Walking made me feel calmer and more clear-headed. I also deleted my social media and improved my eating habits.
As I became more consistent and intentional about self-care, I found I could focus better on my work and make strategic moves to advance my career. Over time, I was promoted to a role that better aligned with my career goals and values. I became more deliberate about making time for activities I enjoyed, and my eye twitch disappeared! As a result of more focused stress management, my income, health, performance, and overall fulfillment improved.
Life still presents its stressors, but when managed effectively, you can still achieve greater well-being which helps you feel stronger and more resilient, enabling you to better handle difficult life events. [CAMH Stress resource page].
Financial planning goes beyond just dollars and cents; it encompasses the quality of life you aspire to achieve. Schedule a complimentary consultation to create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals and values.
For more information about the signs and symptoms of stress and stress management techniques, you can visit [CAMH’s stress resource page].
Cognitive Symptoms:
Difficulty concentrating or thinking
Memory problems
Negativity or lack of self-confidence
Constant worrying
Difficulty making decisions
Emotional Symptoms:
Moodiness
Low morale
Irritability
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Anxiety or nervousness
Depression
Unhappiness or guilt
Agitation or inability to relax
Physical Symptoms:
Headaches
Muscle tension or other physical pain
Stomach problems
Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
Loss of sex drive
Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Behavioral Symptoms:
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Social withdrawal
Nervous habits (e.g., nail biting, teeth grinding)
Increased use of caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs
Neglect of family or work responsibilities
Decline in performance or productivity
Practicing self-care is crucial for reducing stress.
Stress management strategies:
Eating well
Exercising regularly
Reducing negativity
Prioritizing leisure time
Limiting alcohol and caffeine
Avoiding cigarettes and other drugs
Adopting proper sleep hygiene
Additional strategies:
Prioritizing, organizing, and delegating tasks
Seeking support from family and friends
Attending support groups or stress management programs
Consulting a healthcare professional or accessing self-help materials
For additional information, you can visit [CAMH’s stress resource page].
Schedule a complimentary consultation to create a comprehensive financial plan that accounts for the lifestyle you desire to achieve.
