The Impact Of Financial Stress On Women’s Health And How To Manage It

For women juggling careers, families and social lives, money pressure often shows up in ways that go beyond an empty savings account. It can manifest in insomnia, skin conditions and the kind of brain fog that makes you question, “Did I eat lunch?” And it’s more widespread than you think: 46% of women say finances adversely affect their mental health.

The good news is that there are science-backed ways to cope and reclaim your peace without counting every penny. 

Financial stress is the anxiety that stems from worrying about money. Let’s face it: who isn’t a little concerned about cash flow? For some, it’s the stress of not knowing how to save, for others, it’s the weight of debt or the fear of being unable to provide for loved ones. 

Financial stress looks different for everyone. Some might overwork, taking on extra shifts or freelance gigs to make ends meet. Others are not financially literate and don’t know how to set or stick to a household budget. Financial strain may lead you to ignore bills or impulsively spend to distract from stress. Constantly worrying about money can affect your peace of mind, and the resulting tension may spill over into your relationships.

Financial stress is more than mental. It tends to make its presence known in your body, too. These physical symptoms are your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s off here.” 

Chronic financial stress can impact everything from your digestion to your skin. You might notice stomach problems or digestive issues cropping up as your body reacts to the mental strain. Skin flare-ups like acne, eczema or hives can also result from stress. 

And let’s not forget about the long-term impacts. If you’re under constant financial strain, it can lead to more serious health issues, including anxiety and depression. Research shows that chronic stress is a significant factor in the development of mood disorders.

Financial stress can feel like a burden, but it’s often even heavier for women. Women are more likely to experience higher levels of financial stress than men. The pressure comes from a combination of factors, including gender roles, caregiving responsibilities and often, a pay gap that leaves many women with fewer resources. 

For many women, the emotional labor of managing finances doesn’t end with paying bills. It includes the mental load of worrying about others like children, aging parents and even friends. 

There’s often stigma around discussing finances, especially if you don’t meet societal expectations for financial success. 

You know stress has real, lasting effects, but you may lack ways to handle it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage the pressure without letting it take over your life. Here are some real-world strategies.

First things first: stop keeping everything bottled up. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, financial advisor or therapist. Having open conversations about money can reduce anxiety and help you make a plan. 

Here’s an almost-too-easy tip: automate your savings and bill payments. When you set everything to auto-deduct, you don’t have to remember every due date, which takes a load off your mind. 

It might be tempting to power through your days on little sleep and quick junk food, but that’ll only worsen things. Sleep is an excellent way to reduce anxiety symptoms. When you’re under financial stress, your body needs extra energy to function. Get enough rest, eat nutrient-dense foods and stay hydrated. 

Another way to manage financial stress is learning to say no when necessary, whether to a pricey event or an extra project at work. Your time and energy are valuable, and so is your peace of mind. Setting boundaries around what you’re willing to spend can free you from unnecessary stress.

Financial stress is challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your daily life. Improve your well-being by taking proactive steps, like seeking support, automating finances and making time for self-care. Though it’s impossible to eliminate stress, you can learn healthier ways to respond to it.