February is heart and stroke awareness month. An important part of heart and stroke awareness is the role of nutrition and a healthy diet. Nutrition is as important to mental health as it is to heart health. Our brains are always active. The brain manages our physical functioning along with our mental functioning. As our brains are always at work, it is important to properly fuel them.
We really are what we eat!
A healthy balanced diet is a key to proper fueling of the brain. Healthy and nutritious meals positively impact brain functioning as they provide the proper vitamins and nutrients that the brain needs. On the other hand, an unbalanced and unhealthy diet that is high in sugars has been correlated to lower brain functioning and negatively impacting one’s mood and eventually overall mental health.
If you struggle with low mental health such as constant sadness, negative thinking, insomnia, irritability, etc., a quality diet may be an excellent place to start in your healing journey. A healthy diet will contribute to healthy brain functioning which promotes healthier mental health. Diet may not be the whole solution to your mental health struggles but can be an excellent place to begin to take care of yourself.
Some Common Goals to set Together:
- Emergency fund – for emergencies ~ $1K e.g. smashed windshield
- Debt Reduction and Elimination – decide on the pace – how much and how fast
- Buffer/Cushion fund for sudden loss of work 3 – 6 months of expenses
- Savings, travel, houses, investments, big purchases, retirement
Discover what is deeply important to your partner and work out a framework that allows you to realize individual and joint goals and dreams.
Discuss your financial future:
- Plans for children – dual income, single income household?
- Designer Jeans and College funds? costs about $300K on avg. to raise a child to 18
- Plans for career advancement, go back to school?
- Expect aging parent(s) to live with you, be dependent on you?
- Do you plan to start a business, relocate for work?
- These may change your financial goals or organizing systems, but you’ll have a better idea of where you’re headed—together
Money and marriage are a necessary mix. Educate yourselves through our marriage prep workshop, consultations with a financial adviser and/or with other successful couples. Build a power team – where both of you are knowledgeable.