Category Archives: Well-Being

Financial Well-Being in America

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One out of every 15 Americans is a millionaire according to a recent UBS report. That’s 38% of all millionaires in the world.

Yet, headlines state that 58% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and that credit card debt is at an all-time high.

Two extremes of financial well-being in America.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) defines financial well-being as a state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) conducted the National Financial Well-Being Survey in late 2016. The findings revealed wide variation in how people feel about their financial well-being. Some subgroups fare relatively well, while a majority face greater challenges.

From 2017 to 2020, the average financial well-being score for U.S. adults increased slightly, reaching 55.

However, approximately 1 in 10 Americans still had low or very low levels of financial well-being2.

Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that financial struggles have intensified. In 2022, the average overall financial wellness score declined, and fewer workers reported being financially resilient.

Inflation has had a significant impact on financial well-being in America. When inflation hit 9.1%in June 2022, 83% of Americans were concerned about rising prices. Even though inflation has eased to around 3%, 73% still express concern.

Inflation continues to shape Americans’ sense of financial well-being and spending decisions, even as rates of inflation have eased in recent years.

References:

  1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/financial-well-being-resources/data-spotlight-financial-well-being-in-america-2017-2020/
  2. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/consumer-behavior-trends-state-of-the-consumer-tracker/inflation-financial-wellbeing-consumer-spending-habits.html

Grateful People Are Happier and Healthier

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A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.

Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections.

Researchers found that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents.

Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches and feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don’t, studies show.

Philosophers as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans cited gratitude as an indispensable human virtue, but social scientists, such as Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis and a pioneer in gratitude research, and Jeffrey J. Froh, an assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

The research is part of the “positive psychology” movement, which focuses on developing strengths rather than alleviating disorders.

Cultivating gratitude is also a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which holds that changing peoples’ thought patterns can dramatically affect their moods.

Much of the research on gratitude has looked at associations, not cause-and-effect relationships; it’s possible that people who are happy, healthy and successful simply have more to be grateful for. But in a landmark study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2003, Dr. Emmons and University of Miami psychologist Michael McCullough showed that counting blessings can actually make people feel better.

References:

  1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052

10 tips to increase your fluid intake

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July 10, 2024
Kathryn Szklany
Registered Dietitian, Syracuse VA

Summer has arrived, and that means hot days and more time outside. As we spend more time outside, it’s easy to forget about keeping your body hydrated. Hydration is important for controlling body temperature, supporting brain health and can even help with reducing joint pain.

Adults 60 years and older are at increased risk for dehydrationrelated to a drop in thirst levels and lower muscle mass. Fluid needs vary from person to person based on many different factors. Generally, healthy women need about 9 cups of water per day and healthy men need about 13 cups per day.

An easy way to tell if you are getting enough water is by checking the color of your urine. If you are drinking enough water, your urine will be a pale-yellow color (like lemonade). Anything darker means you should increase your fluid intake. Dehydration is the lack of water in the body and even mild dehydration can decrease your energy levels and make you feel tired.

If you don’t enjoy drinking water, then milk, juice, sports drinks, herbal teas and coffee can all contribute to your total water intake. It’s important to remember that some of these beverages do contain added sugars.

10 tips to increase your fluid intake:

  1. Carry a refillable water bottle.
  2. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, drink water throughout the day.
  3. Drink water when you first wake up.
  4. Drink water at all your meals.
  5. Eat foods that are high in water content, such as juicy fruits and vegetables (Grapes, melon, cucumbers, lettuce, celery, pineapples).
  6. If you struggle to drink water, alternate your drinks. If you drink juice or soda, challenge yourself to have a cup of water as your next beverage.
  7. Add fruit to your water to jazz it up. Slices of lemon or oranges can be a fun way to add a little flavor to your water.
  8. Dilute juice with water or use club soda.
  9. Set a timer on your phone or watch to remind yourself to hydrate throughout the day.
  10. Set a goal on how much fluid you’re going to drink in the day.

To learn more about hydration or another nutrition-related topic, contact your local VA to speak with a registered dietitian.

References:

  1. https://news.va.gov/132742/summer-is-here-stay-hydrated/

Know Thyself

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The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle spoke about  the importance of self-knowledge and self-understanding as the foundation for wisdom and good judgment.

Some key points about this quote:

– Self-knowledge is the starting point for wisdom. When you understand yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, biases, motivations, etc. – you are better equipped to make sound decisions and live a fulfilling life.

– Wisdom involves the ability to apply knowledge and make good judgments, especially in complex or ambiguous situations. Self-awareness is crucial for developing this practical wisdom.

– By looking inward and cultivating self-understanding, you lay the foundation for becoming wiser and making a positive impact on the world.

The transformative power of self-knowledge is the basis for living a life of greater clarity, purpose, and wisdom.

Gratitude is a Superpower and the foundation of all great success!

Most important thing you’ll read this Year

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Possibly the Most important thing you’ll read this Year…

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip.

You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read it straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money … or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

Source: Weird and Amazing Stuff

Gratitude is Powerful

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Gratitude is powerful: not only does it feel good, it’s also been proven to increase your mental and physical well-being in myriad ways.

Gratitude is a powerful mindset that does far more than make you feel good; it can help you be your best self both mentally and physically, connect with others, and see the good in others and the world.

  • Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance.
  • Gratitude is so much more than saying thank you.
  • Gratitude changes your perspective of your world.

Think of your mind like your digestive system — what you put into it impacts how you feel and think. When you flood your mind with a constant flow of worry, envy, resentment, and self-criticism (compounded by a barrage of news and social media) it negatively impacts your mental well-being.

Practicing gratitude is like exercise and a healthy diet for your mind. Researchers have shown that it can positively impact your mental and physical well-being

References:

  1. https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-appreciation/
  2. https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684034611/

Feeling Good and Well-Being

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Feeling good means that your body and mind are working at their peak level, and you have a general sense of well-being.

To feel good day after day, according to David Rakel, MD, director of the integrative medicine program at the University of Wisconsin, means that your body and mind are working at their peak level, and you have a general sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Rakel suggests:

Practicing Mindfulness: Stay focused on the present moment.

When you stop, look around and be mindful of the present moment, this life is pretty amazing.

“If we can learn to recognize the clutter that our mind is in and learn to be more mindful of the present moment, that can be a tremendous asset to our overall sense of well-being,” Rakel says. The “clutter” that can make you feel bad includes regret about the past and worry that bad things might happen to you.

A practice called mindfulness can help you reduce the clutter by keeping your focus on the present moment.

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

To be more mindful, try to:

  • Take in the colors, sounds, and smells that surround you at any given time.
  • Pay attention to your breath moving in and out of your body for a few moments.
  • Let worrisome thoughts flow out of your mind when they pop up, rather than giving them attention and dwelling on them.

Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful. And there’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain.

Essentially, mindfulness lights up parts of our brains that aren’t normally activated when we’re mindlessly running on autopilot.

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,” says Jon Kabat-Zinn, creator of the research-backed stress-reduction program Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

Practice staying positive.

The definition of being positive is having hope and confidence in one’s ability to handle what’s tough, along with remembering that nothing is all negative all the time, states Angela L., editor for A-Lifestyle.com.

Shifting perspective can help you live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Being positive starts with changing your perspective on how you see things. The same event can happen to two people, and one views it as a positive and one views it as a negative. So try to see the good side of the things and people around you; it can help you stay free of anxiety and depression, Rakel says.

Research says that we have powerful capabilities to choose positive ways and emotions of thinking. Our emotions change our body at the cellular level. Rather than trying to get rid of negative feelings, we can choose to respond to them differently. To live a happier life, it’s essential to learn how to highlight the positive thinking and improve your outlook on life.

If you believe something is negative, then it probably will be (and vice versa). Challenge that negativity by embracing the mindset of a fixer and a doer. If there’s a will, there’s a way! That’s truly how to stay positive.

You can’t control what happens to you, but one things you can control are your perspective and how you respond. It’s up to you to look for the right side in everything and react most positively.

Make a spiritual .

As long as your happiness depends on things that are impermanent, such as new luxury vehicles or new homes, you will always be disappointed and unhappy over the long-term.

If you want to achieve long-lasting peace and serenity, then your spiritual practice must become a way of life.

Rakel defines this spiritual practice as spending time on “that which gives your life meaning and purpose.”This could be your spiritual beliefs, enjoying nature, or sharing moments with loved ones. “If we get up in the morning excited about something that gives us meaning and self-purpose, our bodies do all they can to heal,” Rakel says.

In short, your happiness must depend on something that is constant and consistent. One thing in your lives that is constant is the present moment, and this is at the core of spiritual practice.

Be around people.

Having good interpersonal relationships and a good support network of family, friends, coworkers, and other people who care about you can help you stay healthier, feel less stressed, and even live a longer life. Spend time with these people regularly, and work to keep your relationships with them strong.

References:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/more-energy
  2. https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/
  3. https://thriveglobal.com/stories/12-simple-ways-to-stay-positive-and-happy/