Coping with Economic Uncertainty and Managing Stress
- Fabi
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Waking up to the sound of headlines about inflation, rising costs, or potential economic collapse. It’s enough to make anyone’s stomach churn. Personally, I find that when there’s economic uncertainty, my anxiety spikes. The constant fear of the unknown can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to juggle a full-time job, taking care of your family, and not forgetting about your own well-being. It’s a lot.
So, what do we do when the stress starts piling up? When you feel like you’re balancing on the edge, trying to keep everything together—your work, your family, your health—and yet the weight of it all seems unbearable? How do we cope in times like these, where the future feels a little too uncertain?
Let’s talk about it.
1. Acknowledge Your Anxiety
The first step is to acknowledge that it’s okay to feel anxious. The world feels heavy right now, and it’s normal to feel uncertain. For me, admitting to myself that I’m feeling overwhelmed is one of the most powerful things I can do.
We often feel pressure to stay calm and composed, especially as moms, wives, and professionals. But the truth is, it’s impossible to be perfect in every moment. When I give myself permission to feel anxious or frustrated, I’m able to process those emotions instead of bottling them up, which just adds more to my plate.
If you’re feeling anxious, give yourself grace. It’s a sign that you're human. Acknowledge those feelings and give yourself a moment to sit with them. You’re allowed to feel them.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to get lost in the things we can’t control. The global economy, inflation, or rising tariffs are all things out of our hands. But, as hard as it is, focusing on what you can control is the best way to regain some peace.
Take a step back and evaluate your situation. What small, actionable steps can you take today to improve your financial situation or reduce stress? Maybe it’s setting a new budget, creating a more efficient family schedule, or even carving out a moment for self-care. These small changes give you a sense of control, even when everything else feels unpredictable.
I find that when I focus on the “right now” instead of the big, overwhelming picture, I can breathe a little easier.
3. Set Boundaries and Prioritize
When the stress starts piling up, one of the first things that tends to slip is me time. I know you’re nodding along right now. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of work, family, and life. But here’s the thing: You need to take care of yourself to be able to take care of anyone else.
So, how do we do this while juggling it all? It comes down to setting boundaries. It’s okay to say no sometimes. It’s okay to prioritize the things that matter most to you and your well-being.
For me, this means carving out time for yoga in the morning or a quick run. It’s a non-negotiable time to recharge. I’ve learned to set realistic boundaries with my family and at work. The world will not end if I step away for a moment to take care of myself. In fact, it’s the opposite. When I take care of myself, I’m better able to show up for my family and my work.
4. Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques
Mindfulness has been a game-changer for me. When I feel like the world is closing in, taking a few minutes to center myself can make all the difference. Deep breathing, meditation, or even a short walk outside can reset my mind and calm my nerves.
You don’t need hours to decompress. Even five minutes of focused breathing or a quick gratitude journal can help shift your perspective and reduce stress. If I’m feeling particularly anxious, I’ll remind myself that I’ve survived other tough times before, and I’ll get through this one too.
It’s also important to remember that stress affects our physical health too. When anxiety kicks in, it’s easy to forget about our bodies. But our bodies are often the first to show signs of stress. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and staying active—even if it’s just a short stretch at your desk.
5. Talk It Out
Sometimes the best way to cope with anxiety is to talk about it. Don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders alone. Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a support group, sharing how you’re feeling can be incredibly relieving.
For me, talking to my husband helps me process my thoughts. We share our concerns and talk through practical solutions. It’s not about having all the answers, but about supporting each other in uncertain times.
If you don’t have someone to talk to, consider talking to a therapist. Therapy isn’t just for big crises; it can help with day-to-day stress management and help you develop coping strategies for anxiety.
6. Take It One Day at a Time
When everything feels overwhelming, I remind myself that I don’t have to solve everything right now. I focus on getting through the day, just one small step at a time. Some days, the best thing I can do is just take care of today.
It’s easy to get lost in the long-term unknowns of the economy, your finances, or the future. But remember, you don’t need to solve everything at once. It’s okay to focus on the present and take things as they come.
Coping with economic uncertainty while managing family, work, and well-being is no small task. But remember, you are stronger than you think. Even in the face of stress and anxiety, you have the power to make choices that prioritize your mental and physical health. By acknowledging your feelings, focusing on what you can control, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness, you can take control of your well-being in a chaotic world.
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
-Fabi
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