Most people have this idea in their heads that a healthy lifestyle is just for individuals with tons of disposable income. It somewhat paints a picture of going to the gym several times a month, buying all-natural personal care products, and shopping fresh and organic all the time. But in reality, there are plenty of ways for you to live healthily on a limited budget.
In fact, some wellness and financial gurus even think that taking great care of your mind and body can potentially help improve your finances. One simple example is, getting more shut-eye can help you make more money. To help you take charge of your overall body, mind, and financial wellness, check out the tips below.
Have defined health goals
Opting for healthy living while securing your finances may seem tricky at first, but it can be easier by getting clear about your goals. Is it becoming more active and slimming your waist? Starting a vegan diet? Or is it enough money to cover your future medical expenses? It can be different for each one of us. By defining what you want your health to look like, you can easily determine how to take care of your health better today.
In setting your goals, using the SMART method can help you stay motivated and focused. Plus, it gives you accountability. Your goals need to be: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Don’t just say you want to lose weight. It should be, “I want to 30 pounds by November”. A goal should be realistically attainable to do now and is also important for your life today.
Master the art of personal finance
Your financial health plays a huge part in your physical and mental health. In fact, some researches show that money or finances are the top stressors for most Americans. Other studies even suggest that poor financial health can result in poor mental and physical health. Individuals in great debt even suffer from health issues such as anxiety and depression.
To maintain a healthy life, you need to learn how to manage your personal finances properly. But before you can do that, you must first understand your current financial situation. Know how much you are making each month, how much you’re spending, and what is left for you to save. Next, create a weekly or monthly budget that you can stick to based on your previous monthly expenses and income.
Lastly, you need to start saving for all your goals and priorities. You can start a savings account for emergencies such as home renovation and car repair. Or it can be saving for skills on top of career improvement such as payment for an online writing course or upgrade of your contractor’s license. Open as many savings accounts as you want to cover your goals.
Be smart when shopping for groceries
You might not notice this, but your groceries can have a great impact on both your health and finances. If you want to shop for healthy food in a budget-friendly way, you need to be smart. Having a strategic plan for your groceries can do wonders. You can buy affordable non-meat protein sources, get your veggies and fruits in local stores, or purchase non-perishable items in bulk.
Also, you do not have to cut out store-brand goods completely. You need to be smart in checking the nutrition labels and ingredient lists to ensure you’ll get what’s best for your body. At the same time, be wise in purchasing specialty items if you’re on a limited budget. While matcha green tea is considered a superfood, you might want to get that more affordable, regular green tea, which can also do the trick.
Avoid eating out and cook for yourself
Eating at restaurants can be exciting and fun, but most of the time, it’s not good for your body, mind, and wallet. Rather than eating out three times a week, use the time to prepare and cook your own food. Cooking at home offers tons of health benefits, from reducing your stress levels to making you a happier person.
What’s more, it helps you be more mindful of what your body is consuming and experiment with healthy, tasty meals that are affordable and easy to prepare. If you want to be more in tune with the food you’re eating and establish a healthy and steady diet, cooking for yourself is the way to go.
Aside from our tips in this blog, bear in mind that living a healthy lifestyle while still financially healthy requires great consistency, desire, and willpower. Whether you want to lose weight or eat healthier while padding your bank accounts, you need to start with a mindful check-in. Use this guide to make the journey much easier for you!
