Wellbeing and the path to financial fitness
How taking care of your body and mind can help you tackle your finances
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and ever-changing prices of fuel, food, housing and more, it's understandable that people are feeling more anxious about their finances.
We often think of wellbeing as looking after our physical and mental health, but the way we feel about our finances is also part of our wellbeing, and can impact both our body and our minds.
In fact, each aspect of our wellbeing have an effect on one another. So when you improve your physical wellbeing, you're also looking after your overall health. That's why it's so important for us to take care of our wellbeing as a whole when we want to improve our financial health.
Small changes can make a difference
Taking charge of your physical health can be a good first step on your path to financial fitness. Starting small and building upwards can create a positive domino effect on the rest of your wellbeing, including your feelings toward your finances.
Laura Stewart-Smith, Head of Client Engagement at Aviva, says: “It’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed by the desire to change and improve any aspect of their wellbeing, and finances can often look like the biggest mountain to climb. But there are some simple steps you can take to get things in motion. Shutting down your computer and taking a walk in the park might provide you with the clear head and energy you need to tackle your financial plans – the benefits of exercise can be more than you expect.
“People are generally more aware of – and able to identify – areas for improvement in their physical health. This means it can be easier to manage and maintain positive improvements. If you look after your physical health, there’s every chance that better mental and financial wellbeing can follow. There is no one universal solution because everyone is different, but each one of us has at least something we can control to help us feel better prepared for the future.”
Flex your financial knowledge
When you're feeling anxious about your finances, it can be hard to tackle them.
Once you've strengthened your body and refreshed your mind, you might feel more motivated to take on your financial fitness. And taking back control of your finances can help you feel more positive about them.
Once you're starting to feel better and in the know about your finances, you'll be more likely to feel ready to deal with them, bit by bit.
Saving strategies
If money's tight, saving might not feel like a priority. But focusing on small, achievable goals could help you make your money go further, even in a cost-of-living crisis. It could be as simple as finding time to pack a lunch rather than picking up a sandwich in the office cafeteria, saving about £3.50 a day. And by the end of the month, that could add up to almost £70 for another day.
Worried about making ends meet or saving in the cost-of-living crisis? Check our our article on combatting the rising cost of living.
Financial resources
A helping hand can go a long way if you're worried about your finances. There are some fantastic resources out there to help you get your head around things, as well as get advice if you need it.
- MoneyHelper – free, government-backed financial guidance on savings, pensions and much more
- The Money Charity – financial wellbeing advice that includes webinars, workshops and online resources
- Citizens Advice – confidential advice if you’re struggling with debt or money issues
- Mind – support for you and your mental health if you’re worried about money
- Cost of living support from the government – advice on benefits, allowances and help with everyday costs
Get your wellbeing in check with health insurance
With our health insurance, you get access to a range of tools that can help support your wellbeing.
With products and services that can support healthy living, like offers on health and fitness clubs as well as mental health support, our wellbeing services are there to help you get more out of life. They cover a range of support, from help coping with stress to building healthier habits. And they're available at no extra cost.
These wellbeing services are non-contractual benefits that we can change or withdraw at any time. Check your cover to see what's included today.
And if you need to make a claim, you can do it through MyAviva, over the phone, or online.
We'll confirm if your claim meets the terms of your policy, and pay for treatment directly if it does - so you don't have to worry about the fees.
Helping support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. It takes Aviva.
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