7 mins read
Staying healthy feels good, but did you know it can also help you achieve your financial goals? By making small lifestyle changes, you’re not just investing in your physical health, you’re creating healthy habits that will save you money in the long run.
Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Prepping your meals instead of spending on eating out helps you save money. It also helps you pick nutritious alternatives and avoid the high calories, fat, sodium, and sugar frequently found in fast food.
Can't be bothered to cook? Opt for a nutritious meal plan subscription that allows you to choose your meals according to your budget and diet preference.
Brewing coffee at home costs significantly less than buying from a coffee shop. It’s also healthier in the long run because you get to choose good-quality beans and low-fat milk as per your preference. You can also cut down on the fats and sugars that are usually present in commercial coffee.
If you can’t ditch your daily cup of joe from your favorite café just yet, cut it down to twice or thrice a week, and bring your brewed coffee on the other days. You may end up being surprised at how much you can save already.
If you spend around ₱300 for two packs of cigarettes and the same amount for a six-pack of beer every week, you can save up to ₱2,400 a month if you limit or quit these vices. But the savings go beyond the immediate costs. By cutting back, you’re dodging a financial bullet down the road.
These habits are linked to chronic diseases that require expensive treatments: think diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. Stopping these vices can save you a significant amount on future medical bills.
Take milk tea as an example. The National Nutrition Council (NNC), the country's top policymaking and coordinating body on nutrition, has identified several risks associated with the drink. Its high caloric and sugar content may lead to weight gain, low nutrient absorption, constipation, anxiety, and blood pressure imbalances.
Limit your consumption of milk tea or soda by making it an occasional treat—save it for the weekend or to celebrate a win at the office.
A study on sedentary behavior reports prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer or depression.
The solution? Engaging in a physical activity that you find enjoyable. You don’t have to sign up for a gym membership— it can be as simple as doing yoga or high-intensity interval training in your living room or taking a walk around your neighborhood to get your body moving.
Joining AIA Vitality can help reinforce healthy activities. This science-backed wellness program, which comes with most AIA insurance products, helps you adopt healthier habits through exclusive rewards and savings.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for our bodies to rest, recover, and recharge. Lack of sleep can result in serious health consequences. According to the American Thoracic Society, sleep deprivation can lead to heart disease, diabetes, depression, stroke, and weight gain, among others.
So how much sleep is enough?
The American Thoracic Society recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults each day. Try these bedtime routines to help prepare your body for sleep:
Living healthy doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. By prioritizing your well-being, you're preventing future illnesses and saving on healthcare costs. This creates a powerful connection between health and wealth. Simple changes to your diet, exercise routine, and daily habits can have a significant positive impact on your finances now and in the long run.
Start your journey to healthier living today.
