Global Trade Wars & AI: The Hidden Health Crisis You're Already Feeling

You probably didn't expect to hear about tariffs and AI on a health and wellness podcast. I didn't either when Jason first suggested this topic. But here's the uncomfortable truth: the economic changes heading our way aren't just going to hurt your wallet – they're about to wreck your physical and mental health if you're not prepared.

The Economic Stress Tsunami Is Coming

Let's cut through the bullshit: within 30-90 days, these tariffs are going to hit your grocery bills, subscription services, and everything else you buy. We're talking about potentially 25% increases across the board. When that financial stress compounds with potential job cuts as companies prioritize AI implementation (despite rising costs), the impact on your cortisol levels and overall health will be brutal.

Jason is already seeing this in his neighborhood. People are driving like maniacs, flipping each other off, and generally acting like stress-riddled assholes. The collective anxiety is palpable, and it's only going to get worse when these economic changes fully hit.

The AI Double-Whammy

The irony here is painful. Companies have been racing to implement AI to cut labor costs. Now, with tariffs making AI implementation more expensive (since components are imported), they'll be caught in a squeeze. But make no mistake – they won't abandon the AI. They'll cut more humans faster and implement half-baked AI solutions that don't work properly.

As Jason put it: "It's like having kindergartners and older kids playing on swings together – you're going to end up with a landscape of bloody children." Companies will take shortcuts on AI implementation while still firing the humans who could have made the systems work properly.

Your Health Apps and Services Are About to Get Pricier

Think this won't affect your wellness routine? Think again. When Amazon pays more for server components, your BetterHelp subscription costs more. When manufacturing gets more expensive, your Apple Watch price goes up. When food costs skyrocket, your healthy eating habits become harder to maintain.

This isn't abstract economics – it's about whether you can afford therapy next month, or if you'll be able to keep your fitness routine when you're working two jobs to make ends meet.

The Hidden Health Opportunity

Last week, Jason was talking with his neighbor who sent him a recipe for eggs Benedict, but because eggs have gotten so expensive, he replaced them with scallops. Jason laughed until he did the math – and realized he was right. Scallops were actually cheaper per serving than eggs. He adapted and ended up with something better.

There's a parallel here for all of us. When COVID hit, my family was forced to relocate and simplify our lives. The financial pressure sucked, but we ended up healthier and happier with less stuff and a more intentional lifestyle.

What You Can Do Right Now

Don't wait until you're forced to downsize your life. Start now:

1. Assume everything will cost 25% more soon and adjust your budget accordingly
2. Declutter your home and sell what you don't need for extra cash
3. Cut media consumption that increases your anxiety
4. Focus on self-reliance rather than depending on systems that are becoming less reliable
5. Prepare for potential career transitions as job markets shift

The economic pain heading our way isn't going to be distributed equally, but it will affect all of us. The question isn't whether you'll feel it – it's whether you're prepared to adapt in ways that might actually improve your health when the dust settles.

As Jason perfectly summarized it: "None of it is forever. All of it's temporary, including you." This too shall pass – but how you weather it will make all the difference to your health and wellness.

Listen to our latest episode here for more strategies on maintaining your physical and mental health during economic uncertainty.