Financial strain doesn’t just impact your budget — it can also affect your mental health. Research shows that personal and financial worries correlate with higher levels of psychological distress. And when you’re feeling stressed out, it can affect your mind and body in several ways. You might feel anxious, have a hard time focusing and making decisions, and/or experience more physical aches and pains than usual. 

But what if you already know how to deal with financial stress and you’ve mentally prepared for what your bank account might look like after the holidays?

The team at Lightfully Behavioral Health treats clients experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. We want you to know that post-holiday financial stress doesn’t have to put a damper on the beginning of every new year. Let’s explore some of the key signs that show you’re managing it well.

Green flag #1: You’re practicing positive coping techniques

One of the biggest signs that you’re handling post-holiday stress well is that you’re actively practicing healthy coping techniques. Stress might be inevitable, but the methods you use to manage it can make all the difference in your well-being. If you find yourself doing things like these — and they’re helping — you might be on the right track:

• Practicing deep breathing techniques
• Taking the time to meditate
• Emphasizing positive self-talk
• Doing activities that bring you joy
• Seeking social support from your loved ones

Green flag #2: You’re challenging negative thoughts

When you’re feeling stressed, it can be all too easy for intrusive thoughts about money to take up space in your mind. These thoughts can make you feel like your finances are out of control or affect your self-esteem. However, if you find yourself reframing those thoughts, breaking negative patterns and feeling more hopeful than downtrodden, these could be signs that you’re taking good care of your mental health. 

Green flag #3: You’re maintaining your daily routine

As the holidays wind down and you’re getting back into your normal routine, how does it feel? Sometimes, financial worries can disrupt your lifestyle in ways you might not expect. For example, the symptoms of stress can include:

• Eating pattern changes
• Lower productivity levels
• Trouble making decisions
• Difficulty focusing or remembering things
• Increased caffeine, alcohol or tobacco use

If you’re able to maintain your normal routine and healthy habits, this could be a sign that you’re handling post-holiday stress well. 

Green flag #4: You’re getting enough rest at night

Many people lie awake and worry about money. In fact, 77% of U.S. adults say that they lose sleep over financial worries. Since anxiety and sleep problems can go hand in hand, the more stressed you feel, the harder it can be to rest at night. And not getting enough sleep can also make your anxiety symptoms worse.

But if you’ve made it through the holidays and notice that your financial stressors aren’t really impacting your sleep as much as they have in the past (or at all), it sounds like you’re doing a pretty good job of managing those negative feelings. 

Green flag #5: You’ve been more solution oriented lately

From gift giving to family meals, many people spend more than usual during the holidays. If you’ve overextended your budget, what now? A sign that you’re handling the extra strain on your wallet might be that you’ve been focusing on the aspects of your financial situation that you can control. This might look like:

• Refreshing your household budget
• Learning how to manage your debt cycle in the new year
• Setting new financial goals to help get yourself back on track

Green flag #6: You’ve touched base with your therapist

One of the most important things to remember is that you’re not alone. Many people walk away from the holiday season feeling overly anxious about their finances. If you’ve been in touch with your therapist about how you’re feeling, this is another sign that you’re doing the best you can. A mental health professional can help you process your emotions and provide advice on how to cope with financial stress during particularly difficult times like this.

Learn how to deal with financial stress with Lightfully

Handling post-holiday stress isn’t always easy. If you find yourself struggling with financial anxiety and other mental health concerns after the holidays, we can help you start the new year on the right foot through our Partial Hospitalization Program. Lightfully approaches mental health care through an evidence-based yet empathetic lens. Guided by licensed clinical therapists, our Precision Care Model (PCM) focuses on your needs and goals to provide whole-person-centered support. 

Along with in-person care, we also offer a virtual option for our Partial Hospitalization Program that allows you to receive intensive, structured support from the comfort of your home. Our Virtual PHP gives busy clients the flexibility they need to prioritize their mental health in ways that go beyond regular therapy sessions.

Care that meets you where you are—literally. Reach out today to learn how our Virtual PHP can support you when you need it most.