When the Bible says “the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7), it’s not just talking about money. According to a survey conducted by MagnifyMoney in 2018, only one in five Americans are debt-free. That means four out of five people are struggling with some form of debt—whether that be student loan debt, credit card debt, or medical debt. And for those who are carrying this burden, it can often lead to chronic health issues, like migraines and other illnesses.
How Debt Affects Health
A recent study from Northwestern Medicine discovered that individuals with higher levels of credit card debt experienced more physical health problems than those without any debt. The study revealed that people who had $8,000 or more in credit card debt were twice as likely to report chronic headaches and migraines as those with no credit card debt at all. Additionally, they were three times more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders.
This isn’t news to some experts in the field of natural health care. Many believe that there is a direct correlation between our mental and physical wellbeing—so it stands to reason that stress caused by financial woes carries over into our physical state of being as well. In fact, studies have linked high levels of stress hormones (like cortisol) with an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
The Role Of Stress Management
Of course, money worries aren’t the only factor when it comes to chronic illness; however, they may play a role in how we cope with symptoms and manage stress levels associated with them. Learning how to effectively manage stress through self-care techniques like yoga or meditation can be beneficial for many people suffering from chronic conditions like migraines or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition to helping you manage stress better, these activities can also help reduce tension on your body which can lead to fewer pain flare-ups overall.
Debt can be detrimental for our overall wellbeing—not just financially but physically too! While having no debts may not be achievable for everyone right away due to circumstances beyond their control, taking steps towards reducing financial strain through budgeting and making strategic decisions about how we spend our money can help us become healthier both mentally and physically in the long run. If you find yourself struggling with chronic illness such as migraines or IBS while dealing with high levels of financial stress at the same time, consider seeking professional help so you can get back on track towards better health!
By the way, I used to experience 16 to 24 debilitating migraine days a month and now have less than 1-1/2 days by decreasing inflammation and working with my husband to pay off debt. Does that sound overwhelming...like how do I do that? There is an 11 Day Jumpstart next month that will walk you through exactly how to decrease inflammation step by step. Click Here for details and leave a comment if you want in!
And if you're looking to pay off debt and improve your health, please join us in our encouraging and supportive Facebook community of moms who are going from Debilitated to Liberated! Click Here
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