Money on the Mind: How Financial Stress Impacts Your Mental Fitness
It’s that time of year again.
The end of the financial year can bring with it a heap of things—tax time, paperwork, chasing receipts… and for many of us, a rising sense of stress, overwhelm, or guilt.
Whether you're a business owner, a parent juggling bills, or just trying to keep your head above water, money worries have a way of creeping into every corner of our lives—our sleep, our relationships, our self-worth.
And while financial stress might feel like “just part of life,” the truth is—it takes a real toll on your mental fitness.
The Cost of Financial Stress (And We're Not Just Talking Dollars)
When finances feel out of control, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about safety, stability, and self-esteem.
Here’s how it often shows up:
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Increased anxiety or irritability
Feelings of shame, hopelessness, or failure
Tension in relationships
Avoidance—of looking at bank accounts, paying bills, or asking for help
It’s heavy. And the load gets even heavier when you feel like you have to carry it alone.
But here’s the thing: Your worth is not tied to your wallet. And you’re not alone in this.
It’s Time to Give Yourself a Mental EOFY Check-In
As we wrap up the financial year, it’s the perfect time to also check in with your emotional wellbeing. Money stress is real—but so is your ability to take small steps forward.
Here are a few gentle ways to support yourself through this time:
1. Check in, not check out.
Avoiding your finances might feel easier in the short term, but facing things with kindness and curiosity gives you back a sense of control.
2. Talk about it.
Whether it’s with a partner, a friend, or a financial counsellor—speaking your stress out loud helps ease the pressure. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start the conversation.
3. Focus on what you can do.
Can’t pay everything off today? That’s okay. What’s one small action you can take—like setting up a payment plan, checking in with your accountant, or creating a simple budget?
4. Unfollow the guilt.
You are not your bank balance. Beating yourself up won’t change the past—but showing yourself some compassion can change how you move forward.
5. Nurture your mental fitness.
When your brain is overloaded, it’s harder to make good decisions. Practicing small daily habits like deep breathing, journaling, or even a short walk can make a huge difference.
You don’t need a full financial reset to deserve peace of mind.
Start where you are. And remember, your mental wellbeing matters just as much—if not more—than your bottom line.
If you’re feeling stretched thin right now, I see you. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves in small, kind, powerful ways.
You’ve made it halfway through the year—and that’s something to be proud of.
