2021 July Snippets Archives

Going from Mental Illness to Mental Health

Coping with a mental illness like depression or anxiety can be especially challenging when you have limited support and resources. Here are some tips to help you cope when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and improve your overall mental wellbeing.

Seek professional support from a qualified and professional counsellor, either privately or through a free public mental health facility.
Take care of your physical health, with regular exercise and balanced meals.
Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol and drugs.
Keep track of your moods and emotions in a mood diary.
Learn techniques for coping with stress, like breathing exercises or meditation.
Connect with supportive friends or join an online support group.

Tips to Start Your Planning for Retirement

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement – but if you’ve left it a little late, don’t panic! Here are some tips to help you save towards a financially secure future.

If you don’t have a lot to save, starting small is better than not saving at all. Any amount of savings helps. Saving a little each month can make a big difference, as long as you’re consistent. This will also help you get into a habit of saving.
Don’t cash in your savings when you change jobs. If you have a pension or provident fund attached to one job, don’t withdraw it and spend it – rather have it moved over to your next employer or invest it privately in an appropriate retirement funding investment, and keep saving.
If you don’t have a pension or provident fund, start contributing to a retirement annuity. This is a private retirement savings fund that in some cases can be tax-deductible.
If you get a bonus, a raise, a 13^th cheque or any other type of unexpected extra money, invest at least some (if not all) of it into your retirement savings, rather than spending it.