Why Breath, Mood and Banking Are Related - Yet Nobody is Talking About It
"Bliss begins with the breath. We breathe in, and accept all that is new. We breathe out, and release all that has passed." ~ Sara Wiseman
Insights from a Certified Money Coach:
💙Alright, I’m going to say it – breath, mood, and banking are all tangled up in ways most people never stop to consider. And yes, I know that sounds like the start of a strange riddle, but stick with me here.
Let’s be real: money stresses all of us out at some point. Whether it’s staring at a dwindling bank balance, bracing for an awkward conversation with your financial advisor, or feeling that sinking dread when you see the words “overdraft fee”, financial stress has a way of hitting us right in the chest – literally. Because what happens? Your breath shortens, your heart races, and suddenly you’re in full-blown fight-or-flight mode.
But here’s the kicker: no one’s really talking about how these three – your breath, your mood, and your money – are deeply intertwined. And more importantly, no one’s telling you how to break free from the vicious cycle they create. Let’s fix that.
Wait, How Are Breath, Mood, and Money Even Related?
Picture this: you’re walking through a forest, the kind where the trees stretch endlessly and the air smells faintly of rain. Now imagine a bear steps out onto the path in front of you. Your body immediately reacts – your breathing speeds up, your muscles tense, and your brain starts yelling, “Run!”
Now swap out the bear for an overdue credit card bill. Different threat, same reaction. Your body doesn’t know the difference between a life-threatening danger and financial stress. The shallow breathing, the racing heart, the sweaty palms – that’s your nervous system hijacking your body.
The problem? When stress becomes chronic – like, say, when you’re constantly worried about money – it messes with more than just your mood. It impacts your decisions, your relationships, and yes, your bank account.
Let’s Talk About Breathing (Spoiler: It’s About More Than Just Oxygen) 💨
Breathing is one of those things you do without thinking. Until something goes wrong, of course. But did you know that the way you breathe can literally change your emotional state?
When you’re calm, your breath is slow and steady. It’s like the gentle rhythm of waves lapping at the shore. But when you’re stressed? Your breath becomes quick and shallow, like you’re trying to outrun a storm. And here’s the thing – that shallow breathing doesn’t just make you feel anxious; it keeps you stuck in fight-or-flight mode, making it almost impossible to think clearly.
Now, let’s throw money into the mix. Financial stress is one of the biggest triggers for this kind of breathing. Think about the last time you tried to make a major financial decision while feeling overwhelmed. Did it feel like your brain was stuck in quicksand? That’s because your body wasn’t getting the oxygen it needed to calm down and make a rational choice.
Mood and Money Decisions: A Dangerous Duo 💸
Have you ever walked into a shop feeling a bit down and walked out with something you definitely didn’t need? Same. Emotional spending is real, and it’s sneaky.
When you’re stressed or anxious, your brain is desperate for a quick fix. Sometimes that means scrolling through online sales at midnight. Other times, it means avoiding your bank account altogether because you just can’t deal with the numbers glaring back at you.
But here’s the hard truth: every decision you make when you’re emotionally charged – whether it’s overspending, avoiding bills, or signing up for that “too good to be true” loan – has financial consequences. And those consequences? They just pile on more stress. See the cycle here?
Why No One’s Talking About This 🤔
Here’s the thing – the banking industry isn’t exactly designed with your emotional wellbeing in mind. If anything, it often thrives on your stress.
High-pressure sales tactics, confusing jargon, and the constant bombardment of “limited-time offers” are all designed to push you into making decisions fast. And when you’re already in fight-or-flight mode, your brain is primed to say “yes” just to make the stress stop.
It’s not fair. And it’s definitely not sustainable.
So, What’s the Solution?
Breathe. (I know, I know – groundbreaking advice.) But seriously, intentional breathing is one of the simplest, most effective ways to calm your nervous system and take back control.
The next time you’re faced with a financial decision, try this: pause. Take a deep breath in through your nose for four counts, hold it for four counts, and exhale slowly for six counts. Do that a few times. Notice how it feels.
This isn’t just some airy-fairy mindfulness tip. Deep breathing literally signals to your brain that you’re safe, which means you can think more clearly, make better decisions, and stop reacting out of panic.
Why This Matters (And Why I Care So Much) 😇
Look, I’m not here to lecture you. I’ve been there – stuck in the spiral of financial stress, making decisions out of fear, and feeling like I couldn’t catch my breath (literally). It’s exhausting.
But here’s the hopeful part: it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can change your relationship with money, not by memorising a bunch of finance jargon, but by tuning into your body and your emotions.
Because when you understand how your breath, mood, and banking are connected, you can start to break the cycle. You can stop letting financial stress control you and start making choices that align with who you are and what you truly want.
Let’s Change the Narrative Together
Imagine if banks started teaching clients how to breathe through stress instead of piling it on. Imagine if financial advisors approached their work with empathy instead of pressure. Imagine if we all stopped pretending we had it all together and got real about the challenges we face.
Revolutionary, right?
But change starts small. It starts with you. So here’s my challenge: the next time you feel financial stress creeping in, take a moment to breathe. Reflect on how your mood might be influencing your decisions. And remember – you’re not alone in this.
Let’s normalise the connection between breath, mood, and money. Let’s talk about it, share our stories, and support each other in building healthier financial futures.
Because the first step to taking control of your money is taking control of your breath. And trust me – you’ve got this.
What’s Next?
Take two minutes today to notice your breathing. Is it calm or shallow?
Next time you’re about to make a financial decision, try a breathing exercise first.
Share your experience. Let’s keep this conversation going – because it’s one we all need to have.
You’re not alone. And you’re more capable than you realise. Let’s start building the future you deserve – one breath at a time.
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It’s a 30-Day Journaling Workbook, designed release your money blocks. It will help you let go of the fears and limiting beliefs that have been holding you back, so you can step into a more confident, abundant version of yourself. Trust me, the results will be so fabulous you’ll be amazed!
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