This Thursday, November 2, is National Stress Awareness Day.

Honestly, you’re probably already aware of your personal stress — it may be keeping you awake at night or giving you headaches during the day.

But did you know that financial struggles are one of the leading causes of stress? In fact, a Bankrate study of nearly 2,500 U.S. adults found that 70% of respondents have felt stressed about their finances.

Fortunately, there are a lot of solutions for financial self-care that can reduce your stress and make your life better.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to create a budget and stick to it. This may seem like it’s easier said than done, but we’ve got your back! You can always come into CommonWealth One and talk to one of our experts to get assistance. Or, head online and take one of the household budgeting webinars available free for CommonWealth One members. Head over to cofcu.org to access our Banzai financial tutorials or make an appointment with a financial expert.

There’s plenty to gain from practicing financial self-care this fall. A few benefits:

• Peace of mind. A stable financial reality can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Increased opportunities. Living a financially responsible life can provide you with the opportunities to pursue your interests and passions, such as travel, hobbies and new learning experiences — all of which can improve overall mental health and well-being.
• Improved relationships. Financial stability can also improve relationships, reducing stress and tension associated with financial struggles.

Here are a few more stress-busting tips:

• Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga or get some exercise in natural light in the great outdoors!
• Write! Making a list of actionable things to do or writing about how your feeling can help.
• Focus on personal achievements and growth unrelated to your financial worth.
• Pick up that hobby that you left behind, whether it’s cooking, crochet or something else!
• Make plans with a friend. This is especially helpful when you plan to share an activity that you enjoy.

We want the best for you — and we're here for you, for life.