When you hear the word ‘wellness’, it’s not unusual to relate it to physical health, but true wellness encompasses physical, mental, and financial health. All 3 are interconnected – for instance, a blow to your financial health could increase your mental and physical stress. A physical illness could increase mental anxiety and your financial burden, and poor mental health can have negative effects on your physical and financial well-being.

But even when you understand this, it doesn’t automatically make it easier to take care of your health holistically. Many of us lead busy lives, hustling to make ends meet, and as a result you may not always pay as much attention as you should to your physical, mental and financial well-being. Exploring the latest trends in South African eating habits, fitness routines, mental health practices and financial management may provide the extra motivation you need. What options are available if you’re striving for a balanced, healthier lifestyle?

Fitness routines and healthier eating habits

South Africans have adopted a diverse range of fitness routines. Traditional gym workouts are still popular, and if you’re a committed gym enthusiast, you can vary your training daily with a range of exercise routines aimed at specific sections of the body. For example, you’ll find fitness websites that offer dedicated abs workouts, shoulder exercises, leg training, home workouts with no equipment, workouts with free weights, and tips on gym for beginners, among many other options.

There’s also been a noticeable increase in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, running, swimming and other water sports. Group fitness classes, including yoga and Pilates, are still attracting fitness fans who want both physical benefits and a sense of community. The benefit of a more sociable workout strategy also explains the surge in popularity of community-based fitness programmes like park runs. Additionally, there is a growing interest in healthy eating, with more individuals opting for balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Remember that physical exercise also has proven benefits for your mental health, and if your body and mind are in great shape, you’ll have fewer healthcare expenses and a clearer head for money management. In short, eating healthily and staying physically fit are good for your all-round well-being.

Top ways to stay healthy physically

• Exercise daily. Stay active by walking, running, or joining a fitness class.
  
  
• Eat healthily. Plant-based foods should make up most of your diet.
  
  
• Visit healthcare professionals regularly for routine checkups and screenings.

Mental health practices

Increasingly, we’re recognising mental health as a vital component of overall wellness. Various awareness campaigns and the efforts of mental health organisations are gradually decreasing the stigma around mental health issues and expanding access to mental health services. More people are seeking counselling to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and you can find both therapy options and support groups online.

Adding mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, tai chi, or deep-breathing exercises to your daily routine can improve your mental clarity and emotional stability while reducing stress. There’s also a growing emphasis on work-life balance and self-care in everyday life.

Some ways to safeguard your mental health

• Find support if you need it. Don’t hesitate to contact health professionals or support groups.
  
  
• Practise mindfulness. Add reflective, mentally soothing practices to your daily routine. These could be group disciplines like tai chi or yoga, or solo practices like prayer, meditation, painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. Learn about stress addiction – what it is, how to spot the signs, and how to overcome it.
  
  
• Stay connected. Maintain social connections with friends and family to build a support network.

Looking after your financial health

Many South Africans are becoming more financially literate, focusing on budgeting, saving, and investing. Financial wellness programmes and workshops are empowering people to manage their finances more effectively – reducing stress and improving mental health. More people are recognising the connection between financial stability and general well-being, as financial stress can lead to various physical or mental health issues.

A simple first step to improve your financial well-being is to consult a professional financial adviser. They’ll assess your financial situation in terms of your specific life goals and show you how to manage money better and plan for the future, which can reduce your stress and improve your overall health.

3 ways to protect your financial health
 

• Be disciplined about budgeting. Create and stick to a budget to manage your expenses effectively.
  
  
• Save. Set aside a portion of your income for savings and investment options.
  
  
• Educate yourself about financial management. Take advantage of financial literacy resources and seek professional advice when you need it.

Nedbank support all-round wellness

Nedbank is committed to promoting financial wellness in South Africa – and the benefits that financial security brings to your mental and physical health. We partner in various initiatives and resources to help people and communities stay financially healthy, offering financial education, tools for budgeting and saving, and personalised financial advice.

By embracing fitness routines, prioritising mental health, adopting healthier eating habits, and enhancing financial literacy, you can put yourself on a path to a healthier, more balanced life. Holistic wellness and a happier, financially secure future are within reach.

Consult a Nedbank adviser about improving your financial health.