Staying on top of your mental, physical and money health
It’s mental health awareness week! What a strange concept this is – mental health awareness week, the week to check in with our mental health then forget about it until next year? Its mental health awareness full stop. This isn’t something we should just give our attention to now for a week, because some clever and caring marketing expert said so. This is a continual journey of understanding, self-discovery, and mastery as you navigate through the uncharted waters of your life.
With the obvious challenges of Covid-19, many workers furloughed/working reduced hours or now unemployed; home working becoming the new norm and reduced social interaction enforced upon us; mental, physical and money health has been thrust right to the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Here’s our top tips on how to stay on top of your mental, physical and money health:
1) Be aware of your money - Check in with your income and expenditure each month. Your discretionary expenses will most likely have reduced substantially, so what a great time to really give some time and effort to how and why you spend your money the way you do. By taking control and having a clear understanding of the how and why we can start to make better decisions on what you buy.
2) Exercise your mind - When the clouds start to gather try a spot of mindfulness. Apps like ‘Headspace’, Calm’ can all help guide you if needed. Even better, do it daily – it’ll work wonders for you.
3) Get up and get moving often -You think you're moving less since lockdown life commenced. Take what you think and multiple it by 10, you're probably still not even close. You can literally feel those muscle tighten up as hour by hour goes by, stuck at your desk. Schedule hourly 3-5 minute moving breaks – walk around the flat/house, stretch your legs, and keep your body moving.
4) Exercise your body – Get out for a morning walk/run, pop on ‘The Body Coach’ or your favourite fitness guru and get a sweat on. That release of endorphins feed the body and the mind giving you a very welcome positive kick
5) Read/watch less news. It’s known as the ‘Negative Events World Service’ for a reason. It is not designed for your health – it’s there to sell news, whatever way they can. Sadly, it’s negative news that sells most. Turn it down and focus on all that’s great in the world instead. Your mood will lift instantly.
6) Free your mind – Incorporate ‘dance breaks’ into your daily routine. Pop on your favourite tune and dance, as wildly and freely as you wish. This is a sure-fire way to free your mind and put a smile on your face. My personal favourite.
7) Don’t react on emotions – When it comes to your current investments, whilst it sounds counterintuitive, the less you do the better the outcome, generally speaking. Don’t’ sweat what you can’t control (e.g. temporary stock market declines) and focus on what you can, your behaviour.
8) Be open – The simple exercise of talking about money can do the world of good. Be open with your partner, friend, family member, adviser about money, how you feel and talk things through. You’ll find having that outlet can sometimes be all you need to set your mind at ease.
It’s the small, seemingly insignificant adaptations we make to our routines that create long-lasting impactful benefits. Take on even one of our eight suggestions and work day by day at it and give your mental health the time it deserves.
Stay safe,
Keith
For all money health questions, we’re here for you at team@spentwell.co.uk.