In order to give back to others, you also need to take care of yourself. It’s impossible to give your full attention to the needs of others when you may not be feeling your best. In order to live the most altruistic life possible, you should focus on leading a healthy life. When you hear the word “healthy” visions of cardio or crunches may come flooding to your mind. However, physical health is only covering one aspect of total health and wellness! Check out four aspects of health below so you can focus on living your best life.
Financial Health
Financial wellness can vary largely depending on the person but comes back to the same set of principles. If you’re just starting out, set small goals to try to build healthy financial wellness habits. For example, contribute a small amount from each paycheck into a savings account.Think of a goal you have in mind, no matter how big or small. Maybe it’s to save for a down payment on a house. Or, maybe it’s to buy a pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing. Use that savings account to work toward a goal.
Building a budget is a great way to work toward your financial goals. Look up an online template to help yourself get started, and add in what you typically spend today. Look for areas where you can trim or make goals for things you’d like to spend money on, like a purchase or donating to support your favorite organization.
Emotional Health
Sometimes to feel your best, you have to put yourself first. Take time to check in with yourself. That could mean a variety of different things, from canceling plans to have a night in or even meeting up with friends because you’ve had too much time on your own. Listen to what your body is telling you. Meditation can be a great way to focus on your emotional well-being.
The pandemic has been especially hard on emotional wellness for many people. Don’t be afraid to talk with somebody about how you’re feeling, whether that be a professional or a friend, depending on what you need.
Physical Health
While this is often the first type of health that comes to mind when you hear the word healthy, it’s still often neglected because, well, life is busy! However, physical health doesn’t have to be a commitment of hours at the gym every day. Instead, just 30 minutes of activity per day can help you stay healthy and strong. You can also get your 30 minutes a day in by doing things you might not consider “working out” but that count all the same. For example, spend 30 minutes walking around your community and picking up trash. Or, spend 30 minutes running around outside with your kids. There are plenty of ways to enjoy activities while also working on your physical health.
Social Health
When you experience social well-being, it means you contribute to and belong to a social group or community. This can involve giving back to your community or simply belonging to a community group. At the height of social well-being, you feel a sense of belonging. In order to practice your social health, think about your hobbies and your community. How can you give back? How can you do more of what you love with people you love? Who could you call up to check in on? There are tons of little things you can do to check in with your social health and wellness.
Life happens, and focusing on all aspects of your health is easier said than done. Take small steps in each area to start building solid habits! Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to truly focusing on yourself, your wellness and happiness. When those needs are met, it’s easier to turn your focus to helping others!
