Mental wellbeing

The cost-of-living crisis is on everyone’s mind.Thinking about money can be emotional. You might have different feelings about money. These are some common feelings you might have:

• You might feel guilty for spending money, even if you know you can afford it. Or, you might feel guilty for seeking support, even if you know you need it.
• You might be afraid of looking at your bank balance or speaking to the bank.
• You might feel ashamed for needing support. It’s important to remember that everyone has the right to feel well, and the right to essentials like food and housing. Getting financial support is a good way of making sure you have the things you need.
• You might feel stressed, for example if you’re under a lot of pressure to support yourself and others. Or, trying to navigate the benefits system may feel stressful.
• You might feel tired or worn down, especially if you’ve been struggling with money problems for a long time.

Getting to know the feelings and emotions you have around money might help you to spot patterns in your behaviour, and feel more in control. 

Stress

Stress affects everyone differently. It can affect you physically and mentally. From stomach aches and headaches to brain fog or insomnia, there are lots of ways stress can affect the body. Looking after yourself and taking the time to re-charge will help you to manage your stress levels and avoid burnout.

Why not: go for a walk, exercise, meditate, phone or visit a friend/ loved one, tidy your home/workspace, cook your favourite meal, journal your thoughts and feelings, get a good night’s sleep.

Anxiety and low mood

The energy crisis has heightened anxiety across the nation as it dominates news bulletins and conversations. The price of food, petrol and energy bills is higher than ever. This is placing a huge strain on households. While it is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed at this time, it is important to recognise that support is out there to help you manage your anxiety and to help you feel more in control.

If you are feeling low, it may be a good idea to limit the amount of news that you read and watch. You might also want to limit the amount of time you spend on social media. Follow accounts or sign up to receive positive news stories like The Happy Newspaper.

Mindfulness

Practising mindfulness is an excellent way to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves concentrating in the present moment and tuning into your breathing and surroundings. Mindfulness can be done anywhere and costs nothing.

The simple act of breathing in through the nose and into the stomach and out through the mouth can help regulate breathing and calm the body.
You can access free Mindfulness exercises on the Mindful website, and through the Headspace app (free to NHS staff until 2023).