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Feedback loops are powerful forces of nature.<\/span> Melting polar ice caps reduce the earth\u2019s reflectivity<\/span><\/a>, causing it to absorb more heat from the sun, which accelerates the melting. The cumulative, accelerating aspects of such loops make it imperative to break the cycle before it gets out of control. Below, I identify three feedback loops among financial and physical and mental health and some ideas for breaking these vicious cycles.<\/span><\/p>\n Let’s begin with stress. <\/span>Stress<\/span><\/a> is the body’s response to any demand made on it. It affects almost every system of the body, including digestion, heartbeat, breath, muscles and our brains. A little stress can be a good thing, if it motivates us to respond constructively to a threat or opportunity and if it doesn’t last too long.<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, stress resulting from financial challenges is often chronic,<\/span> affecting 26% of Americans most or all the time<\/span><\/a>. Unexpected expenses, the need to save for retirement and out of pocket health care expenses are major culprits.<\/span><\/p>\n Chronic stress is linked to physical health issues. High stress can cause a fight-or-flight reaction, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can<\/span> suppress<\/span><\/a> immune, digestive, sleep and reproductive systems, which, if sustained, may cause them to stop working normally. High financial stress can result from unexpected expenses, volatile income, excessive debt and lack of savings.<\/span><\/p>\n Employees with high financial stress are<\/span> twice as likely to report poor health overall<\/span><\/a> and are more than four times as likely to complain of headaches, depression, or other ailments. The chart below shows <\/span>how much sicker people with \u201cdebt stress\u201d were during the depths of the financial crisis<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nFinancial Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Stress Spiral No. 1: Physical Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n