Finances are a common source of anxiety for many. In time the anxiety can turn into full-blown financial stress, negatively impacting our monetary decisions and thoughts. Learn how mindfulness can help you develop a relationship with your finances so you can better control the connection experienced between yourself and your wallet.

Many of us think we’re at the mercy of our cash flow and finances. With mindfulness, you can shift your point of view. Begin to see that you and your finances are in a relationship.
What does your financial relationship look like? Does your financial life say hello and give you space when you need it? More likely, it’s always begging for attention or barking at you to make decisions. Once you use mindfulness to perceive a relationship with your finances, you can take control of it, and improve your feelings and choices when you deal with it.

7 Days of Financial Stress Relief

Pause Before Purchasing

What does it mean to you to be a conscious consumer? Is it that you buy organic groceries? Made in the USA? Products that haven't been tested on animals? Toxin-free? Fare-trade? Products made in humane ways? Shopping within your budget?

Awareness

Curious Observation

Cognitive Flexibility

Attitudes of Mindfulness

Focus

Keeping Up With The Joneses

Do you find yourself suddenly wanting something just because someone else in your life just got it? Maybe your colleague's new car, your sibling's upcoming vacation, or a friend's new phone? It's a funny phenomena that we can be completely content until someone flashes something they are finding pleasure in right before our eyes. All of the sudden, what we have is no longer enough.

How To Stop Financially Stressing

When you think about your financial health, what is your immediate reaction? Do you start worrying about whether you'll have enough? Do you feel overwhelmed by all of the decisions involved in managing your finances? What do you notice about your thoughts? Emotions? Sensations in the body? And does this lead you to dive in to productive financial planning or do you find yourself actively avoiding?

Making Changes For New Choices

Where in your life do you find yourself continuing to invest money into something that will never yield your desired results? And if it isn't money, perhaps time and effort? If time and effort are your bigger issue, are there projects at work that are not the best strategy but have been in place for a long time and so it seems easier to continue?  Or a friendship that is not nurturing to you, but you continue to spend time because it is a long time friendship and you feel guilty if you don't?

Avoiding a Taxing Situation

Benjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes. And with tax day approaching, it brings up an interesting question. How do you respond when you have something that must be done, that is complex and potentially unpleasant?

Know Your Purchasing Power

When you think of your spending habits, what are you buying? Are you purchasing your way into financial constriction, pressure and stress? Or are you buying yourself financial security, stability and freedom? You might notice that it's not so black and white and that you have some purchasing habits that are providing security and others that are constricting you.

Buying On Impulse

Have you ever found yourself buying something because you think it will make you happy? Or you just need an emotional or mental boost? This could range from a cup of coffee, to a new outfit, the latest gadget or a new car.

7 Days of Financial Stress Relief

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