Lets face it! we all stress from either lack of money and/or money management. for most of us, the first one is the most prominent. There’s no lack of online gurus online ready to sell you magic “potions and elixers”, i.e. strategies to fix your monetary woes. (In my opinion the best success guru for Christian Professionals is this guy). Lack of money is a SIGNIFICANT health risk. I think this is (partly) why God instructs Christians to take care of those who cant take care of themselves, or lack financial means for whatever reasons (this excludes laziness of course). Take a look at why it’s a health risk.

Impact of Poverty and Lack of Money on Bodily Stress

- Chronic financial strain can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt various bodily functions.

- Persistent worry about finances can cause sleep disturbances, leading to fatigue and weakened immune function.

- The stress of poverty can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to heightened blood pressure and heart rate.

- Limited access to nutritious food can exacerbate stress, leading to poor diet-related health issues such as obesity or malnutrition.

- Financial stress can contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, which can manifest physically as headaches or muscle tension.

- The constant pressure of financial insecurity can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, further impacting physical health.

- Lack of resources for healthcare can result in untreated medical conditions, compounding stress and its physical effects on the body.

So not taking care of others who are unable, when you are able, in my not so humble opinion, is a kind of slow murder. (I’m being hyperbolic of course, but not really…lol). but that is another subject.

Also for you, it is a significant health risk as well. Not finding ways, when able, to get to a better financial position is costing you health and years on your life. someone once said you have to learn to add years to your life, and life to your years. There’s a way to do that…

Warren Buffet, one of the richest men on earth, said this on this article: “At the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder’s meeting, Buffet said “Whatever abilities you have can't be taken away from you. They can't be inflated away from you,” he said. “The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and it's not taxed at all.”

Personal development?

Why yes. Yes indeed. Here’s how it helps with stress:

The Benefits of Personal Development and Learning New Skills

Engaging in personal development and learning new skills can be a powerful way to relieve stress and boost your mood. When you focus on acquiring new knowledge or honing a skill, your mind shifts away from stressors, allowing you to enter a state of flow where worries seem to fade away. This process not only provides a mental break but also stimulates the production of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are associated with pleasure and satisfaction, making you feel more positive and motivated. Additionally, achieving small milestones in your learning journey can enhance your self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, further contributing to stress relief and overall well-being.

- Learning new skills can distract from stressors, providing a mental break.

- Engaging in personal development stimulates dopamine and serotonin production.

- Achieving milestones boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment.

- The process of learning can lead to a state of flow, reducing stress.

- Personal growth enhances overall well-being and positivity.

Even the Bible chimes in on this subject…

- "Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." (Proverbs 9:9) This verse suggests that learning and acquiring new skills can lead to increased wisdom and personal growth.

- "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23) This scripture implies that dedicating oneself to learning and improving skills is a form of service and devotion, which can be fulfilling and rewarding.

- "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." (Proverbs 18:15) This passage highlights the value of actively seeking knowledge and skills, suggesting that a discerning and wise person continuously strives to learn and grow.

Suffice to say, I highly suggest learning new skills that you can potentially use to increase your income. That might be book writing, coding, music, coaching, public speaking, Youtube, and more. Get creative. Use AI to flesh out new ideas and skills to learn. I recommend some of these tools to learn how to scale up and monetize what you have learned.