I never know when it’s time to stop wishing people a Happy New Year….ok, probably about ‘NOW’!
The tradition of wishing each other happiness is great, but what about yourself? Some of us make resolutions but most of them last a month, if we are lucky! By the way, how are you getting on with yours?
The action I decided to take earlier this month was no resolution, more a response to what has been going around me. I decided to book myself in for a heart scan. Two people I know suffered serious heart attacks, sadly one fatally, and I know of others who have had close calls.
I wasn’t unduly worried, but I must confess I was relieved and pleased that I was given the ‘all clear’… shows I must have been more anxious than I realised!
The experience got me thinking about how many of us must worry about things, sometimes subconsciously. The cumulative effect of layers of anxiety can really drag your mood down. We tend to carry on with our busy lives and accept how we feel. Yet, in many instances, we can do something about it to stop ourselves worrying.
We see this all the time in our role as Financial Planners. Many people we see are anxious about their financial futures, even those with lots of money. In some cases, the more money they have, the more anxious they become! We understand why, but there really is no need to be worried. The thing that should cause worry is not having a financial plan in place.
Nobody has ever regretted making one!
I was reading an article in the Liverpool Echo (I’m an Everton fan for my sins) which was reporting the importance of maintaining our psychological health. They quoted a Professor Kinderman who gave these tips:
KEEP ACTIVE
Do something physical each day. It could be as simple as taking the dog for a walk.
MAINTAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
For all kinds of reasons, friends are vital. Good friends, supportive friends, friends who won’t judge you or try to take advantage of you. We can all take steps to maintain these friendships; phone, write, text.
LEARN
Keep your brain active. Engage it. Your brain is the most fantastic machine ever created.
GIVE
There’s good evidence that getting involved in a charitable activity makes people happier.
STAY OPEN-MINDED
Perhaps this is the trickiest thing to do but, in part, it means becoming able to decide where to focus your attention.
I’m no Professor but I’m going to add one more…
PLAN YOUR FUTURE
Taking time out to co-ordinate your finances removes the worries about your future. Having goals and modelling scenarios is both enlightening and fulfilling.
Happiness is in your hands.
Kind regards,
Gary
Gary Neild B.Sc.Hons. DipIP PFA
Managing Director
