Matt Wenborn - Dec 2024
Many times, individual financial goals morph into joint financial goals. Examples can include,
travel, the reallocation of time together, gifting, philanthropy or leisure activities. Sometimes,
those joint financial goals and objectives through the loss of a loved one become individual
again. What’s more, sometimes when we lose a loved one, those once joint financial goals
do not materialize at all due to the grief of losing the one person you wanted to achieve
these with.
The goals that were once joint, just don’t feel the same anymore. There is no one set way to grieve, nor a set time frame, however there are evidence-based action steps that you can take to help assist navigating the process. My hope, that even through the loss of a loved one, you can still achieve financial milestones and individual fulfilment.
Below is a quick snapshot of the Five Ways to Well-being via the Mental Health
Foundation of New Zealand. For more information about the Five Ways to Well-being and
the New Economics Foundations report, click this link: Five Ways to Well-being | Mental
Give.
Your time. Your words. Your presence.
Giving goes beyond simply sharing physical items with others. It involves nurturing a generous mindset and encouraging active engagement in community and social activities.
Participating in volunteer work and community service is closely associated with positive
emotions and overall well-being. When individuals help others, share their skills, and
engage in actions that foster teamwork, they often experience an increase in self-esteem
and a boost in their emotional health.
The act of giving holds significance for people of all ages. For children, it aids in building strong social understanding, while for adults, it fosters a sense of purpose and enhances self-worth. This is especially true for older adults who may have retired and now have the opportunity to contribute their time and talents to others.
Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity not only benefits those receiving help but also
enriches the giver's life. It creates a cycle of positivity that strengthens community bonds
and promotes a sense of belonging. Ultimately, giving is a vital part of a fulfilling life,
encouraging connections and shared experiences among individuals.
Be Active.
Do what you can. Enjoy what you do. Move your mood.
Studies indicate a strong link between engaging in physical activity and improved overall well-being, along with reduced levels of depression and anxiety.
It is now recognized as vital for individuals of all ages and has been proven to help slow down cognitive decline associated with aging.
Evidence points to the fact that being physically active can boost self-confidence, enhance
coping skills in tough situations, and foster a sense of achievement. Additionally, it can
promote social connections among individuals, which is another important aspect of mental
health.
It's important to note that physical activity doesn't have to be intense to be effective.
Participating in moderate exercise three to five times a week can greatly lessen symptoms of depression, and even short sessions of less than 10 minutes can lead to noticeable improvements in mood and mental health.
Keep Learning.
Embrace new experiences. See opportunities. Surprise yourself.
Staying curious and setting goals is essential for people of all ages. For kids, this curiosity fosters healthy cognitive and social growth. For adults, it can boost self-esteem, enhance social connections, and encourage a more engaged lifestyle. Additionally, continuous learning has been linked to reducing the risk of depression in later life.
In particular, adult learning emphasizes the importance of setting goals, which is closely tied
to improved well-being. When individuals create their own goals that are positive and
resonate with their personal values, they tend to experience greater satisfaction and
fulfilment in life. This process of goal-setting can significantly impact their overall happiness.
Learning goes beyond traditional education: it encompasses various ways to nurture curiosity and a desire to explore.
Engaging in different activities that stimulate the mind can help maintain an inquisitive attitude, making life more enriching and enjoyable. Embracing this broader view of learning can lead to lifelong benefits for everyone.
Take Notice.
Appreciate the little things. Savour the moment.
Developing skills that allow us to pay attention to our surroundings and our inner thoughts
and feelings, both physically and mentally, can really enhance our overall well-being. Even
short workshops that cover fundamental techniques can provide benefits that last for years
to come.
There's been a ton of research on mindfulness, and it shows some pretty great outcomes,
like improved self-awareness. This research suggests that being receptive to our
experiences can really help us make choices that resonate with our personal needs, values,
and interests.
When our actions are in sync with what we truly value, it becomes much easier to create lasting changes in how we behave.
Some effective strategies that can enhance our well-being include practicing gratitude,
embracing forgiveness, engaging in self-reflection, and seeking meaning in our lives. These
practices can play a significant role in boosting our overall sense of well-being and
happiness.
Connect.
Appreciate the little things. Savor the moment.
Feeling connected to others and being appreciated by them is a basic human necessity. No
matter the age, having relationships and engaging in social activities play a vital role in maintaining mental health and serve as a strong defence against mental health issues.
When we have solid social ties, they provide us with support, motivation, and a sense of purpose, while a broader social circle enhances our feelings of belonging and self-esteem.
The main takeaway from the idea of connection is that dedicating time and effort to both
deepen and expand our social networks is crucial for our overall well-being. It’s not just about having a few close friends: it’s about creating a rich tapestry of relationships that can uplift us and help us navigate life’s challenges.
Moreover, individual well-being is closely linked to the health of the communities we belong
to. Focusing solely on personal gains can be less effective than prioritizing the cultivation of
relationships with others. By nurturing our connections, we not only enhance our own lives
but also contribute to the well-being of those around us.
Matt Wenborn
Comments