Controlling Stress Under Debt
Debt can be one of the biggest stressors in life. As big as divorce, losing a loved one or losing a job, this can often be the cause for being in debt too. Like you know, stress can be the cause of major health problems. Short-term stress can cause loss or increase in appetite, sleeplessness, hormonal imbalance and long-term stress can cause heart problems, diabetes and more. Nearly 10 million Americans are said to be suffering from some health problem brought on by debt. According to a poll by AOL and Associate Health, over 20 percent had ulcers or digestive tract problems, 44 percent had migraines, 6 percent reported heart attacks and so on.
There are various ways to keep your stress levels in check; some specific techniques can help you when you're suffering from debt-related stress. One of the important ways to do this is to take each day as it comes. Don't worry about foreclosures or impending events that could be a month, a week or even a day ahead. Get up each day, and do what it takes to get through without thinking too much about the future. This can go a long way in controlling worry; it is also called living in the moment and has for long been an important stress control technique.
Keeping a Journal could also be an effective tool in tackling debt-related stress. Write down your feelings of anxiety; beat yourself up, if you have to, express your sense of guilt and so on. Also, write down the strategies you will take to get credit card debt help and start fresh. Mark it your debt journal!
Think Positive
Another age-old rule to controlling stress can help you keep calm. Exercise and eating health go a long way and keeping you physically well. Go for a walk each day or dance, or do whatever it takes to get you moving. If you can't follow the advice of living in the moment, give yourself at least that half an hour to feel at peace with your body. To feel your muscle straining or legs carrying you forward, do not think about anything else. Giving yourself those 30 to 40 minutes, or more if you wish, each day can help you with your debt-related stress. It could also clear your head, so you'd be able to think of new ways to get debt help now.
Since collection agencies follow up mainly through the telephone, make few hours each day no-phone hours. Switch off your mobile phone or take the phone off the hook. This way for those few hours, you're not startled every time the phone rings, worrying if it's your collection agent.
Under difficult circumstances, positive thinking can be really powerful. Remember to have positive thoughts, stay in good health while you tide through difficult times.