Weathering Economic Uncertainty: Your Well-Being Matters

Let's face it, the economy has been quite the rollercoaster ride lately. From pandemic challenges to supply chain problems and inflation, we've all felt the squeeze. Now with tariffs, stock market jitters, and recession whispers, it's no wonder concerns are growing every day.

What's Really Going On

The numbers back up what we're all feeling. A recent CNBC study found 73% of Americans are stressed about money in 2025, with many pointing directly to tariffs as the culprit.

Quick breakdown: Tariffs are taxes on imported goods. When things come into the country, the government collects fees based on what's being brought in and where it's from.

The practical impact? Higher prices on everyday items and potential job market shifts.

This uncertainty hits us where it hurts:

• Grocery bills and everyday expenses keep climbing
• Retirement accounts and investments bounce around unpredictably
• Job security doesn't feel quite so... secure

And here's the thing we don't talk about enough. This financial stress takes a real toll on our bodies and minds:

• Anxiety that makes it harder to focus
• Nights spent staring at the ceiling instead of sleeping
• Physical health problems that add up over time
• Higher irritability when dealing with daily challenges

6 Down-to-Earth Ways to Cope

We can't fix the global economy, but we can definitely control how we respond to it. It’s completely normal to feel off-balance right now.

What matters is having tools to steady yourself. Here are some tips on how to take care of your mental health:

1. Watch Your News Diet

Staying informed? Smart. Doom-scrolling economic stories all day? Not so much. Set some boundaries around when and how you consume news. Maybe check updates once or twice a day rather than all day long.

2. Talk It Out

You're not the only one feeling this way. Some of the best conversations we've had in our Techworks meetups have been about shared money worries. Call a friend, message a co-worker, or drop a local co-working event. Just putting your worries into words can take away some of their power.

3. Stick to the Basics

When everything feels chaotic,  prioritizing the basics can bring a sense of stability: 

• Eat decent meals to give your body the nutrients it needs to deal with the extra stress
• Move your body each day, even just a 10-minute walk suffices
• Take your sleep seriously
• Make time for things that make you smile, like spending time with family and friends

4. Look for the Bright Spots

The people who handle tough times best aren't just the most optimistic. They're the most realistic optimists. Try:

• Noticing what's going right alongside what's going wrong
• Make a note of a quick win or two at the end of each day
• Checking in with friends who help you see things clearly
• Setting small, doable goals that give you a sense of control

5. Use What You've Already Got

Many of us are sitting on untapped resources:

• Benefits through work that include counseling or financial planning
• Professional groups with webinars and support forums
• Free workshops through local business centers
• Our Techworks resource library and community forums

6. Control What You Can

The big economic picture? That's above our pay grade. Your personal financial choices? Those are all yours:

• Take a fresh look at your budget based on what matters most now
• Build up some cash reserves if possible. Remember, even small amounts can help
• Think twice about big purchases. Is this the right time, or can it wait? 
• Consider talking with a financial advisor who understands your situation

We're In This Together

Economic ups and downs are nothing new, and we've weathered them before at Techworks. We'll get through this one too. The folks who do best focus on what they can actually control rather than what they can't.

If you're struggling with your mental health during these turbulent times, please talk to your doctor, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or seek support from friends and family.  Sometimes just showing up is the hardest part.

*Disclaimer
This post is meant to help our community but is not a substitute for professional advice. If you need personalized guidance, please connect with qualified experts.