Yes, Financial Care Is Self-Care: How To Make It Part Of Your Routine

Self-care can mean a lot of different things, and there's not a single best way to take care of yourself. However, one area that is often overlooked in this conversation is financial care—instead, we focus on beauty, nutrition, exercise, and so on.

When you picture self-care, you may envision putting on a face mask, going to a yoga class, or booking a therapy session, all of which require money in your pocket—hence, why financial care plays a big role in your overall well-being. 

It's fair to say that most people face financial anxiety at one point or another, so incorporating financial self-care into your routine can help alleviate those nerves and bring you some peace of mind. 

Looking under the rug of your financial life will help you tend to your sense of self-efficacy, which psychologist Chloe Carmichael, Ph.D., describes as knowing that you can do what you say you want to do—thus increasing your self-esteem. Think of it like caring for your future self, in the present.

While some people may find monitoring the general intake of calories helpful with weight management, counting every single calorie can oftentimes cause more anxiety than it's worth, and the same goes for finances. 

"You can be hypervigilant by checking the numbers too much," financial therapist Bari Tessler tells mbg. In essence, "It's like overwatering your garden—you can do too much." 

One way to ensure you're keeping track of spending without checking every dollar is to have designated "Money dates," as Tessler calls them. A money date is simply a designated time when you tune into your finances—run through bank statements, pay your bills, divvy up your paychecks, etc. 

You can opt for a few minutes a day, 20 minutes every two days, twice a month, or another time that works for you. Whenever you decide to do so, Tessler recommends adding ambience to your date to make it more enjoyable and ease financial jitters. 

"On my money date, I'm also lighting my candles, I'm getting out the dark chocolate, and I'm setting intentions," she notes. 

It's difficult to be in control of your money if you can't clearly see where you're spending it. The fix? Create a financial diary—not only where you track your spending habits but also where you can write about your emotional reaction to it. This can help you digest your feelings about certain financial burdens. 

"I have a very basic spreadsheet I use to allocate cash and have a system that I do on the first and the 15th of every month," business coach and author Kelly Trach tells mbg. Here you can add a column or section in your diary designated to discuss how you feel about your purchase—was it necessary? Did it bring you joy? Or, do you regret spending money on it?

Vision boards don't just have to be for New Year's resolutions or big event aesthetics—you can make a money vision board as well. This could be virtual via Pinterest or on paper; either way, keep it by your bedside and look at it every evening before you fall asleep or when you're feeling uninspired with your finances.

If you feel that financial stress is infiltrating your everyday life and you need more support, don't be afraid to bring up this topic with your therapist (if you have access to one). We know that therapy can be a great self-care tool in general, but many people don't take the time to explore the topic of financial anxiety with this kind of guidance

It's important to view your financial needs as a part of your self-care routine, as they directly impact your health and well-being. If the concept of money management makes you nervous, try to add a few financial self-care rituals to your everyday life to help you feel more in control of your life and your spending. If you want to learn more about what causes financial anxiety in the first place, give this story a read.