Face Tax Fears & Frustrations
The pressure of tax season can raise so many fears and frustrations that even has our medical community is on high alert. It is well aware that the leading cause of stress is… money and uncertainty.
Not only do we feel uncertain when it comes to taxes, we may actually feel threatened. Consequently, our heart rates increase as we produce more adrenaline and cortisol. Our body enters fight or flight.
If we choose the latter, and run away and ignore our tax situations, we will not only feel worse, we may find ourselves subject to unnecessary financial issues, such as interest and penalties, but we may also create health issues.
So, how do we face tax fears and frustrations? We choose to fight, knowing that what we are really fighting for is our wellbeing.
This year, start your tax preparation by working directly with your emotions first.
Seek to discover the root causes to your stress. Do you have math anxiety? Are you mad at yourself for not planning for taxes? Do you feel like you don’t even know where to start? Have you been putting off making a decision that may improve your life situation?
Now seek ways to release those “taxing” emotions. Journal. Kick. Scream. Take a walk. Try EFT Tapping Therapy. Do yoga or stretch. Meditate.
If you face your tax fears and frustrations before you engage in any tax preparation, you will be more clear to actually perform the tasks at hand. And if the emotions really become too much, then practice self-love by seeking help.
An Invitation
Grab your ‘money’ journal. What feelings arise when you think about taxes? Is there a root cause? What would help you release the emotions?
Join the Community Discussion
Share your insights and strategies for facing your tax fears and frustrations.
Additional Resources
https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/financial-stress
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/12/health/tax-day-money-stress
https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/cope-tax-time-stress
Copyright © 2021 Jen Lightwood