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World Health Day is an excellent reminder of the importance of holistic wellbeing, and on 7 April 2025, people all over the world set some time aside to celebrate.
The theme for this year was “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”. While this year-long campaign focuses on maternal and newborn health, it is a reminder that the more you care for your body and mind now, the healthier your future could be.
In fact, your financial health may even benefit from improved physical and mental wellbeing.
Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to boost your overall health, from staying active to keeping your mind engaged and even spending time with loved ones.
Staying physically active could help you be more productive
Being physically healthy could positively affect your finances by reducing potential healthcare costs, improving your productivity and earning potential, and boosting your mood and quality of sleep.
Exercise, particularly, has been known to improve:
- Energy levels
- Mental health and resilience
- Cognitive function.
Though NHS healthcare is free, many people still face additional costs for prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests. Furthermore, if you’re considering private healthcare, being in good health can potentially lower the premium you’d face, as some insurers offer discounts or lower premiums for those with a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, being in good health could allow you to work more consistently and productively. This could lead to higher incomes and potentially improved career advancements, which may benefit your long-term financial stability.
How to stay physically active:
- Find activities you enjoy to help you stay motivated
- Set realistic goals by starting small and gradually increasing the intensity or duration
- Incorporate activity into your daily routine
- Prioritise consistency over intensity, as even short bursts of activity can be beneficial
- Seek professional guidance if you’re new to exercise or have specific health concerns.
Keeping your mind healthy could help your financial wellbeing
Poor mental health can significantly affect your finances, so it’s important to not only keep your mind healthy, but also happy.
Your mental health can affect how you feel, think, and act. For that reason, it may affect your decision-making, ability to plan, spending behaviours, and coping strategies.
Your mental health can also affect the way you deal with your money. For example, if you’re feeling low or depressed, you may lack the motivation to manage your finances. You may also experience the following:
- Overspending to receive a brief “high”
- Making impulsive financial decisions
- Avoidance tactics, resulting in late payments
- An inability to work or study, potentially reducing your income
- Increased insurance costs because of mental health concerns.
When it comes to your mental health and money, understanding your mood patterns could help you make more positive and productive decisions. There are also certain steps you can take to help improve your mental health, including:
- Practise mindfulness to help you stay present and reduce stress
- Prioritise self-care by making time for activities that bring you joy
- Establish healthy boundaries by learning to say no when necessary
- Cultivate positive relationships by surrounding yourself with supportive and understanding people
- Seek professional support if you are struggling with your mental health.
Eating well could improve your long-term health
The importance of a balanced, nutritious diet can’t be understated, and it can have an effect on your energy levels and overall wellbeing.
More than that, consider the long-term cost savings of preventing diet-related diseases. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. These can lead to significant healthcare expenses as well as extended periods off work, which can affect your financial wellbeing.
Remember that nutrition will look different for everyone, so do what’s right for you and ensure that your daily meals are varied and balanced.
Getting enough sleep may help your work performance
Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night is important for physical and cognitive function. In fact, a lack of sleep can have an impact on productivity and decision-making. This could affect work performance, earning potential, and even the types of financial decisions you make.
To support healthy sleep habits, try to establish a consistent routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
It can also help to create a relaxing routine before bed. Calming activities, such as reading or listening to soothing music, can help your body relax, and avoiding blue light a few hours before bed can help make it easier to fall asleep.
Staying social and connected might help you live longer
Holding meaningful relationships and social connections is important for both mental and physical health. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health notes that social connection could help you live a healthier, longer life. More than that, being socially disconnected can increase your risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and even dementia.
From cultivating connections with loved ones to joining a social group or volunteering your time, staying socially connected could help support your physical and mental longevity.
It’s also important to stay connected to your professional network, as positive networking could increase your chances of new job offers or opportunities.
Get in touch
A key part of your professional support network is your financial adviser. Remember, your financial adviser can help you plan for your future and potentially reduce financial stress, which could help you live a longer, happier life.
Email enquiries@metiswealth.co.uk or call 0345 450 5670 today to find out what we can do for you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.