How Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle Saves You Money

You’re likely aware that leading a healthy lifestyle is good for your physical and mental well-being. Were you aware, however, that being healthy can also be good for your finances? Sure, the cost of gym memberships, organic food, and other health and wellness resources can require a significant investment, but when used effectively it can save your life and your wallet. 

Kicking Bad Habits 

Do you have a guilty habit of smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol? Whether you suffer from addiction or not, utilizing these substances on a daily basis adds up. For example, cigarettes can cost upwards of $6 per box. Smoking one box a day may not seem like much but at the end of the year, you’ve spent more than $2,000 on this habit. 

Let go of bad habits and save thousands each year. If going cold turkey is difficult, there are other methods for quitting. You can talk to your doctor about medications, seek help from a therapist, or enroll in a rehab facility where you can get treated for addiction. 

Maintaining Weight

Obesity is a significant problem in the US for both children and adults. Not only does it put you at risk of several life-threatening diseases and illnesses, but unhealthy weight costs you more money. Being overweight or obese costs you more in medical and life insurance each year. The weight fluctuations cause you to have to purchase new clothes and shoes more frequently. There’s also the food bill. Some who are obese or overweight eat unhealthy cuisine which, may seem cheap but can add up to thousands at the end of the year. 

The weight loss journey isn’t easy for everyone. As a family, you can start exercising together, start with healthy living choices, and preparing healthy, portion-controlled meals at home. If you’re having trouble finding inspiration, an online weight coach can assist you with setting goals and staying on track.

Eating Healthier

There’s no denying that healthy foods cost a considerable amount more than other options. However, those who eat a poor diet actually spend more than those who don’t. You spend thousands of dollars each year on eating out, junk food, and fast food that does nothing but deteriorate your health further. Poor diets lead to serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Should you or your family develop such conditions, medications, doctor’s visits, and other related expenses become more difficult to manage. 

Introduce a nutrient-rich diet into your family’s lives and see the difference it makes in your wellbeing and finances. If you’re concerned about the costs, there are plenty of ways to eat healthy on a budget. When you’re eating healthy portion-controlled meals you save money. You learn how to cook at home and save on takeout. You also eat less while still giving your body the nutrients it needs. 

Getting More Sleep

You’ll be surprised to learn what a good 7-9 hours of sleep each night can do for your finances. Sleeping allows your body to rest, heal, and replenish itself for the next day. When you fail to get enough sleep, it drains your energy, disturbs your cognitive function, slows productivity, increases stress, and increases your risk of getting sick. When you’re drained, unable to focus, and stressed, you’re losing valuable time each day. You start messing up in the office and at home. If your immune system is weak, this increases your chances of getting sick and calling out of work (or the kids out of school) l. Not to mention, lack of sleep causes you to increase your caffeine intake – which really adds up.

If you’re having trouble getting sleep at night, perhaps a few adjustments can make a difference. Start by creating a bedtime routine. Next, check your sleep environment to ensure it is comfortable. If you need a new bed, linens, window treatments, or other items to make your room more cozy at night, it’s worth the investment. Finally, find ways to wind down each night instead of watching television or using technology. 

Keeping up with bad habits like smoking, not maintaining the proper weight, eating a poor diet, and skimping on sleep do more than just put your mind and body at risk of serious medical conditions. A lifestyle with such practices ends up costing you financially as well. If you want to save money and life a more positive life, start taking the initiative to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine.