A recent study showed that a person’s financial health has a large impact on overall well being, especially when compared to emotional or physical health. Although money can induce stress, it doesn’t have to. A little financial knowledge can help expand your portfolio and confidence about your economic future. All of that can make a big difference to your physical and mental health. This article aims to cover the mind and body’s relationship to the wallet.
There are so many wellness trends nowadays, especially in big metropolitan cities. From goat yoga and cold plunges to $20 smoothies and luxury getaways, wellness is now expensive. In reality, wellness does not have to cost the same as a five star international vacation. In fact, living well doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money at all. There are many wellness habits that can actually help you save money, or help you spend it more responsibly. Read on to learn about three ways to live better and spend smarter.
Getting In Touch With Nature
There are more and more studies that confirm the link between time spent in nature and better mental health. Researchers note that living closer to green spaces can increase longevity and reduce complaints associated with health. As a start, nature seems to serve as a buffer between life’s many stressors, and reducing stress can contribute to better physical and mental health. Several studies from Japan confirmed that phytoncides in certain trees can help lower anxiety, reduce stress hormones, and improve blood pressure. Plus, being outdoors can also increase vitamin D levels, provided you spend time in the sun.
You don’t have to pay a lot of money to become one with nature. The U.S. National Park System has over 400 parks, many of which have free entry year-round. The ones that do have entrance fees tend to have fee-free days as well. City parks are also free and research indicates that greenery in cityscapes is highly beneficial for overall health. People who live near parks tend to exercise 25% more than people who don’t live near parks.
Being Mindful
Mindfulness is another one of those trendy buzzwords you hear in regards to mental health and wellness. It is the practice of approaching actions with both attention and intention. Mindful eating, for example, is about taking more time to make healthy decisions about food and how much of it you enjoy. Being mindful about anything is truly about finding the why, because it helps you think about your choices and how they will affect your future. Doesn’t that sound like a great way to approach your finances?
Practicing mindful money decisions helps you align your purchases with your purpose. When you know your values and know what you want to live for, you have a better system for making decisions. Your values help inform you of the right decision, be it upgrading your home or moving money into your savings account. Plus, making mindful purchases means that you are less mindless about spending, and the guilt that comes with it.
Setting Boundaries
As a general rule of self-care, setting boundaries can help improve many aspects of your life. Boundaries help you see the clear divide between work life and home life and certain relationships. When you set boundaries, you can establish a better connection with yourself. Financial boundaries are equally as important, though. Establishing financial boundaries can help you decide you believe you should spend your money and where you think that money should go. When you have financial boundaries, you can establish how much you intend to and stick to it. If your friends know that you have boundaries about spending a certain amount, that can better inform them about group activities or dinner decisions.
