With tax season upon us, it’s a good time to assess how your finances may be impacting your health (and vice versa).
Spending Habits Impact Your Health
Our finances – and financial habits – can contribute to, or diminish, our overall health and well-being. Of course, living within one’s means – and planning for retirement – will reduce financial stress. But, several research studies also suggest that paying for great experiences, such as entertainment or vacation, has significant and longer-lasting impacts on overall happiness – significantly more so than buying material goods. And, the greater the alignment between the experience and one’s values and priorities, the greater the positive impact.
Good Health Is Also Good for Your Wealth
On the flip side, investing in your health can save you substantial amounts of money in health care costs over your lifetime. For example, according to HealthyCapital, a 45-year old patient with high blood pressure could – with minor lifestyle changes – save $100,000 in lifetime healthcare costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of all Americans have one or more chronic health conditions (e.g., high cholesterol, obesity, or high blood pressure). Quite apart from longevity and quality of life, minor investments in personal health can dramatically impact your financial profile over the course of your life.
What is one step you can take today to enhance your health and wealth in 2018?
Sincerely,
Leesa Klepper
Director, Thrivewell Coaching
March: Mindfulness, not Madness (March 2018 Newsletter)
What is “mindfulness” and why should you care? “Mindfulness” is everywhere – it is used to describe everything from parenting to eating – yet its scientifically-proven benefits are not generally known, and, for many, it seems foreign and inaccessible. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Nor should it.
What is Mindfulness?
Put simply, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in where you are or what you are doing. In our busy, over-scheduled lives, too often we are distracted, acting on auto-pilot, worrying about the future, or ruminating over the past. In contrast, mindfulness is about being fully aware, without judgment, of what is happening in the moment – whether with another person, in your environment, or in your body. This mindful quality has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, as well as anxiety and depression. Being mindful offers the opportunity to notice what is happening in any situation and be more intentional about how you respond. Studies have reported other positive health effects of mindfulness, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, boosting the immune system, increasing resilience and emotional intelligence, and fostering deeper social connections. It has been used to boost productivity, performance, and parenting.
How Can You Try Mindfulness?
Being mindful is something you can do anywhere, even in just 1-2 minutes, and it can have a powerful impact on your day. Here are some simple suggestions for you to try it out:
- Start Your Day with a Few Mindful Minutes: Start your day with just a few minutes where you are fully present in the moment. You can do this while combing your hair, in the shower, or looking out the window as your day begins. They key is to just use all of your senses to be deeply aware of what you are experiencing.
- Put a Mindful Spring In Your Walk: Use the time when you are walking – to meetings, lunch, in the parking lot – to put your phone away and look around. Spring is in the air – notice the air temperature, the tree branches, or even the din of traffic. Being outside also allows your brain to rest and body to relax.
- Mindfully Drink Your Favorite Beverage: Instead of gulping down your coffee, tea, or other favorite beverage, sip it slowly and pay attention to its smell, temperature, and taste. Being fully focused for just one minute will encourage you to bring that attention to your day.
- Try a Mindful App: There are a multitude of mindfulness practices – ranging from those focused on happiness, stress, or sleep – available on apps like Calm and Headspace. Try some out and see if you find one that works to calm your mind and keep you centered.
Sincerely,
Leesa
Director, Thrivewell Coaching
Give Yourself Some Love
As Valentine’s Day draws near, your focus may shift to those you love. But take a moment and see if you treat your own self with the kind-heartedness that you would give a loved one. When faced with our mistakes or shortcomings, we often beat ourselves up – telling ourselves things like, “I’m so stupid” or “I can’t” – or by ruminating, “Should I have said that?.” Constant self-criticism or overthinking can make us anxious, insecure, and unmotivated.
In contrast, being kind to yourself – or having self-compassion – can lead to greater well-being. The pioneering researcher on self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as being “kind and understanding when confronted with personal failings” and embracing your whole self without self-judgment. Her research indicates that people who are compassionate to themselves are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress – and more likely to be happy, motivated, curious, optimistic, and socially connected.
So, as you pen thoughtful Valentines to your spouse, kids, or dear friends, take a moment to complete Dr. Neff’s quiz and see how compassionate you are to your own self. If you find that your inner critic is unrelenting, make it a Valentine’s gift to find one thing you can do to start to treat yourself with the kindness and acceptance you deserve.
Sincerely,
Leesa
Director, Thrivewell Coaching