This is the main conclusion of the recent Cigna 360-Vitality study, which analyzes the impact of economic stress on population health. The score achieved by our country, 24/100, shows significant deficiencies that are particularly felt among the Zeta and Millennial generations. Effects include: lack of rest, increased heart risk, headaches, digestive problems, and difficulty managing emotions and mood swings.
It is known as economic anxiety or financial stress and it is a constantly present reality but, at the beginning of the year, it finds an amplifier after the high costs of December and the return to normality immersed in the so-called “January slope”. .
According to data from the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), about 40% of the Spanish population rates their economic situation as bad or very bad. and new Cigna 360- Vitality Study, Our country a A score of 24 out of 100 related to financial well-being, figure below optimal levels. Among the causes of economic anxiety most citizens point to: high cost of living (47%); uncertainty about the future (38%); and personal financial situation (38%).
In fact, the data obtained around the world is not very different from this reality and shows that a 67% of the population believes that the cost of living and inflation make it too expensive to maintain a healthy financial position.. and, more specifically, Generation Zeta (70%) and Millennials (72%) are those who show a greater tendency to experience financial stress.
Healthy Men in Healthy Corpor
Financial difficulties directly affect the lives of families. On the one hand, there are problems of provision, constant worry about being able to meet basic expenses, insecurity against an unexpected event, social isolation, etc.; On the other hand, unattainable financial expectations can cause depression and anxiety. If we add to this the lack of financial knowledge, the decision-making process becomes insecure.
offers analysis Cigna Healthcare Based on the results of this report, it lists the most relevant consequences produced by financial stress, both physical and psychological:
- Lack of rest. Constant worries create anxiety and stress, two of the greatest obstacles to falling asleep, staying asleep through the night, and getting restful rest. Both conditions feed on each other and can create a vicious circle from which it is very difficult to get out: Stress disrupts sleep and lack of it increases sensitivity to stress. Guidelines for improving quality of rest in these cases are common to other anxiety conditions. It is important to generate Healthy habits, With a regular schedule, comfortable sleeping position in the room or avoiding a heavy dinner.
- Increased heart risk. A body under stress tends to release hormones such as adrenaline, which can Elevation of blood pressure, as well as an increase in heart rate and a feeling of palpitations or irregular heartbeat.
- Mood swings and difficulty managing emotions. There is another group of general results Irritability, mood swings and difficulty managing emotionsWhich directly affects personal relationships and quality of life.
- Constant headache and headache. When a person is constantly worried, he can feel muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp, which in turn, leads to. Tension headache. practice Relaxation techniques Such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing can help reduce muscle tension and relieve headaches.
- Most frequent digestive problems. The connection between stress and the digestive system is direct and stems from the close communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal system, known as the gut-brain axis, which is also very sensitive to anxiety and responds to it with a variety of disorders. .
Keys to healthy financial management
Going through an uncertain economic situation can be very difficult. Especially when the family is responsible for more vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly or the chronically ill. Physical symptoms that appear as a result of financial stress syndrome can be combated with the same guidelines as those of other types of origin. Sleep, hypertension, emotional management, etc. Respond to specific solutions.
But in case of such concern, Cigna Healthcare Recommends addressing not only the consequences, but also the root causes. Suggested guidelines to avoid stress due to financial difficulties are as follows:
- look for Emotional support and counseling From specialist professionals whenever possible.
- Avoid comparing with others Financially, because everyone has unique situations.
- To plan: Define achievable financial goals and to achieve realistic short-term goals, reduce anxiety and improve ability to manage complex financial situations.
- Financial debt and lack of savings represent an additional psychological burden. It is basic Arrange frequent payments and save regularly To deal with financial crises and create a sense of security.
- Keep track of income and expenses. Establish a clear and realistic budget It allows you to make more informed financial decisions and reduce uncertainty and, consequently, anxiety. It should also be noted that it is important to regularly review and adjust this budget to ensure that it remains updated and cost-effective.
- Expect to buy, allocating funds efficiently and without falling victim to offers and discounts on items that are predetermined and not required. Combination Plan ahead financially and shop consciously Not only does it help maintain a healthy financial balance, but it also contributes significantly to reducing financial anxiety.
All of these practices provide a sense of control, reduce uncertainty, and promote more informed and rational decisions, which help avoid impulsive spending and ultimately prevent financial stress.
