So many of the problems, from the pandemic to the elections, we’ve faced in 2020 have felt bigger than we are. But are you so wrapped up in big picture challenges that you’re overlooking things in your life that you can control?
Taking some purposeful steps in these three areas could remind you who’s ultimately in charge of your family’s Return on Life™.
Your Mental Health
This is hardly the first time in our tumultuous history that Americans have been on edge about a presidential election.
The podcast series American Elections: Wicked Game highlights all the elections since George Washington and there have been many turbulent times.
The problem with today’s election is we are living in it so it feels like the worst of times.
But until recently, most people kept up on the campaigns when the paper arrived in the morning and/or one the evening news. We now live with 24/7 cable news outlets and social media so we are immersed in politics 24/7.
This creates an echo chamber that magnifies our fears and anxieties and bounces them back to us over and over again.
It’s probably time to set some daily screen time limits which means the computer and the TV. Unplugging several hours before bed can be especially beneficial if your brain is still revving from a full day of tweets and likes.
The blue light emitted by screens on cell phones, computers, tablets, and televisions restrain the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep/wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
Reducing melatonin makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. When you are sleep deprived, you are more susceptible to being in a state of fear and anxiety.
Your Physical Health
The pandemic could create a new breed of couch potato: we are not just binge-watching Netflix, but many of us are in danger of putting in unnecessary overtime, all the time.
Working from home has disrupted many of the routines that kept us active even on days when we weren’t heading to the gym.
Simple things like moving around the office or walking down the street for a coffee break don’t happen as much when you and your laptop are parked at the kitchen table all day.
The physical barriers between home and work are a little blurry right now but you have more control over your schedule. Start the day with a long walk.
Break up a long day of Zoom calls with ten minutes of jumping jacks or some yoga stretching. And when it’s time to clock out for the day, turn off your computer, get up from your makeshift desk, and get moving.
Go for another walk before or after you make that home cooked meal.
Your Financial Health
For many folks, they are finding that they are saving more money than they typically do since they are not eating out as much and there is not the need for work wardrobes.
Folks who have never set a monthly budget are often surprised by what an empowering experience it can be.
The most impactful adjustment you can make to your financial plan is to limit unnecessary spending and maximize saving while continuing to invest prudently, regardless of what’s happening in the markets or on the news.
Still, the investment piece of this picture can make folks anxious during moments of uncertainty, especially if retirement is nearing. That’s one of the reasons that we like to revisit financial plans our clients at least once per year.
A financial plan is only as good as your confidence in it and the actions you are taking to achieve your goals.
We have a tool designed to help you leverage your Return on Life™ (ROL).
The ROL Index asks you to assess whether or not you are making progress in 10 aspects of your life. It will help you identify areas where you can use your money more effectively to enhance your life. And, importantly, celebrate the areas where you’ve made progress. Discover your ROL today.
Let’s schedule a time to discuss how comfortable you’re feeling about your market exposure, savings goals, debt, and spending.
We can work together to control these and other variables so that you’ll feel excited about your plan and your family’s future and ensure you getting money is getting you a Return on Life™.