Alleviating financial stress: Take control of your finances to get back on track at work

Getting into financial trouble affects individuals in different ways, with one in four saying it makes them perform poorly at work. Money plays such a big role in our lives, so it’s important to stay in control – otherwise it can have a detrimental impact on health. Aviva’s recent Save Smarter survey revealed the UK’s attitudes towards their financial position, with half of those surveyed worried about their future finances. In response, the firm spoke to experts on stress and debt to gather the most helpful tips for those struggling with their day-to-day finances.

Key statistics:

• 22% of people surveyed said their finances make them feel worried
• More than a fifth (21%) of UK adults have no savings – pointing at the cost of living as one of the most popular reasons for not having any money saved
• A third (36%) of UK adults feel like they need more control over their finances
• More than half (54%) of UK adults treat themselves whenever they feel like it.

Keep calm and take back control of your finances
Aviva spoke to experts Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK, and Neil Shah, Chief De-stressing officer at The Stress Management Society and spokesperson at StepChange Debt Charity to gather their top tips for those struggling with their finances.

• Breathe properly – to help clear the mind and feel more focused when people feel stressed. Set aside time to focus on breathing techniques.
• Keep hydrated – to help keep the body hydrated and energised, and to prevent headaches and fatigue.
• Stick to a routine – an erratic routine can lead to bad habits such as poor sleeping patterns, which can make you feel worse when you’re trying to improve your situation.
• Break away from technology – switching off allows people time to think about their situation and plan out a strategy for your finances, and allows time to relax as well.
• You’re not alone – don’t suffer in silence. There’s plenty of free resources that can help people get motivated and back on their feet.