Money and the Nervous System: How Our Subconscious Mind Shapes Our Relationship with Wealth

Our relationship with money is complex and often subconscious. We may not realise how our thoughts and feelings about money are shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and even our nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for regulating our response to stress, and financial stress can trigger a fight-or-flight response that affects our physical and mental health.

Exploring how the nervous system can influence our relationship with money and how we can develop a healthier attitude towards wealth, is key to building a more sustainable attitude around our personal finances.?

The Role of the Nervous System in Our Relationship with Money

The nervous system is the control centre of the body, responsible for regulating our response to stress and danger. When we experience financial stress or uncertainty, it can trigger a fight-or-flight response that activates the sympathetic nervous system. This response prepares us to fight or run away from danger, and it can manifest as anxiety, stress, or even panic.

This automatic response can impact our relationship with money in several ways. For example, if we grew up in a household where money was scarce or we witnessed financial struggles, our subconscious mind may associate money with stress and anxiety. This can lead to negative beliefs about money, such as feeling guilty for spending money on ourselves or believing that we will never have enough. These beliefs can be deeply ingrained in our subconscious mind and can affect our financial decisions without us realising it, as once we are out of the immediate reaction, the sensation can still be present in the body and stored there unless addressed properly.?

How Our Nervous System Shapes Our Financial Decisions

Our subconscious mind plays a powerful role in our financial decisions, often guiding us towards choices that align with our deeply held beliefs and values. For example, if we believe that money is scarce and that we will never have enough, we may be more likely to hoard our money and avoid spending it on things that bring us joy. On the other hand, if we believe that money is a tool for creating abundance and happiness, we may be more willing to take risks and invest in ourselves and our goals.

Moreover, our nervous system can impact our financial decision-making abilities. When we are in a state of stress or anxiety, our cognitive functioning and decision-making abilities can be impaired. This can make it difficult to think rationally and make sound financial decisions.

How to Develop a Healthier Relationship with Money

Fortunately, there are ways to develop a healthier relationship with money by rewiring our subconscious mind and calming our nervous system. Here are some tips:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. By practising mindfulness, we can become more aware of our subconscious beliefs and patterns around money. We can observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment and challenge negative beliefs that no longer serve us.
2. Create Positive Associations around Money: We can also create positive associations with money by focusing on the abundance and joy that it can bring. We can practice gratitude for the money we have and celebrate our financial successes, no matter how small.
3. Seek Professional Help: If we are struggling with financial stress or anxiety, it can be helpful to seek professional help from a therapist, financial advisor, or coach. They can provide guidance and support for developing a healthier relationship with money, and be the support needed to address the underlying factors.

It’s important to feel safe around money, if money for some reason has become something you associate with danger or stress or guilt and shame, you need to start signalling safety to your body when triggered by money issues, as well as actually allowing yourself to feel the suppressed emotions around money that has been stuffed away.

Our nervous system plays a powerful role in shaping our relationship with money. By becoming more aware of our subconscious beliefs and patterns, we can develop a healthier attitude towards wealth and make more conscious financial decisions. With mindfulness, positive associations, and professional support, we can create a more fulfilling and abundant relationship with money.