7 ways to calm your mind

7. Talk with someone you trust

Connecting with friends and family can offer two stress relievers: conversation and laughter. One study found that adults 65 and older who laughed every day had a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.^{Disclosure 5} They do say that laughter is the best medicine.

And for more complex conversations, a counselor or therapist can be a great resource. Research shows that verbalizing our feelings can help us process stress and anxiety^{Disclosure 6}—and talking with a mental health professional is a good way to do this. 

Tips for easing financial worries

The American Psychological Association found that 65 percent of Americans are stressed about money.^{Disclosure 1} Brian Ford, head of financial wellness at Truist and co-host of the Money and Mindset podcast, offers four ways to bust money-induced stress.

1.     Really manage your money: This can look like setting up automatic payments or transfers for your accounts, talking with your partner, checking on your investments, working with a financial counselor or advisor, or simply setting a new savings goal. Whatever your priorities, come up with a plan for your money goals—and stick to it. Creating a budget based on what matters most to you is a great place to start—and keep track of where your dollars are going each month so you can adjust spending as needed.

2.     Prioritize a debt pay-off strategy: Debt can be a major cause of money stress. Ford says your debt should be appropriate relative to your income. “That means you can pay all of your debt payments on time, with ease, without being worried about it from month to month,” he says. If that’s not the case, consider the snowball or avalanche strategies to pay down what you owe, especially for higher-interest debt.

3.     Save up for your financial stressor: If there’s one thing that’s causing you stress—say, saving for your kids’ college education, or having money to cover an upcoming or unexpected repair for your home or car—set up and contribute to an account just for that goal. “Not only will it help the actual underlying problem, but it’s going to help you mentally. You’re taking action—which feels good,” says Ford.

4.     Invest in future you: Setting yourself up for a comfortable retirement can give you major peace of mind. Max out your annual 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA) contributions, grow your savings, and consider talking with a financial advisor to make sure your money is invested wisely.