July 24 is International Self-Care Day. The date is 7/24 reminding us that self-care needs to be a priority 24hrs/day, 7 days/week.
What is self-care?
“The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health. The practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Source: Oxford Dictionary
For Self-Care Day 2024 I urge you to think about two of many parts of health and wellness in particular and how you can practice self-care. What actions can you take? How can you play an active role?
What is mental health?
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.” Source: World Health Organization
I am not a clinical mental health expert. I specialize in workplace wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention. While I have loads of training, expertise, and experience, it is not clinical. The definition of mental health is broad and includes many aspects of who we are, what we do and our communities. However, it does not say that mental health is being happy all the time. Mental health is not something to take for granted and the practice of self-care is one of the best ways to protect and invest in your mental health.
What is financial health?
“Financial wellness is not just about money. Being financially healthy is a critical piece of your overall wellness. Financial health is defined as the dynamic relationship of one’s financial and economic resources as they are applied to or impact the state of physical, mental and social well-being.” Source: Forbes
I am also not a financial advisor. I would consider my financial literacy pretty decent, but I am not an expert; however, I am fascinated by how society and individuals think about financial health. It is one of the most important parts of our overall health and wellness; however, many people put it aside as separate.
Comorbidity
Personally, I know there is a very strong connection between my mental health and my financial health. I often tell my financial advisor that they are my “other therapist” and it’s true. When I consult with an expert who guides me through the levels of financial wellness, it eases my stress and therefore supports my mental health.
Professionally, I know that understanding the connection and co-morbidity between workplace mental health and workplace financial health is a huge opportunity for both employees and employers.
There are lots of studies and stats to back this up. For example, according to Mercer, employees spend 13 hours/month at work worrying about their finances and 56% of Canadians are $200 away from being overwhelmed by debt.
Practice, practice, practice
How can you focus your self-care on your mental health and financial health? Here are a few examples:
● Get a physical/check up
● Move your body by walking, gardening, or exercising
● Invest in your sleep hygiene and routines to improve your sleep
● Buy some brain healthy ingredients for a nutritious meal
● Spend time outside alone, with people or with pets
● Spend time with people face to face
● Write down three things you are grateful for
● Call someone you have not talked to in a while
● Do something nice for yourself
● Do something nice for someone else
● Ask a peer or a professional for help with your mental health
● Make an appointment at your bank and see how they can help you manage debt, save more, and improve your financial literacy
● Write down your short, medium and long term goals that lead to your version of financial wellness
● Go through some of your “stuff” and see if you can reduce, recycle, reuse, donate and sell items you no longer need
● Get your will done
● Build an emergency fund
● Ask a peer or a professional for help with your financial health
I am a huge believer that some of the very best self-care is knowing when to ask for help and leaning on experts! I need experts for all kinds of things and my mental health and my financial health are no different.
Happy Self-Care Day
So while I hope you are reflecting on all aspects of your health and wellness, and making time to practice self-care this summer, take some time to hone in on your mental health and your financial health and how they are connected. The goal is for everyday to be self-care day.