In the previous issues, we have discussed the other dimensions of wellness, namely, physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellness which are what we can try to control internally. What about when it comes to external factors that affect us?

In this edition, we will focus on the financial and environmental aspects of wellness.

Financial Wellness

Financial wellness is being well-equipped for financial needs and the envisioned life. It is about how well needs, wants and desires match with the annual family income. Consider whether the present financial state is in sync with current standards of living and the quality of life.

Think about whether having some financial discipline about expenditure towards necessities, liabilities, saving/investments, and leisure activities would help.

If everyone had a thoughtful approach and understood financial discipline, would life be less stressful?

Working towards financial wellness

While I’m no financial guru, there are numerous blogs and guidelines available on online platforms to make informed decisions based on each individual’s annual earnings. Here we will focus on having a clear mindset to make that informed move.

  • Reality checks: Expenditure and quality of living are generally based on societal norms and expectations, which leads to comparisons. Most of the times people will want the kind of life that friends and relatives are living. So, before drawing out a plan, rethink your version of reality and think about what you truly want.
  • Clarity: Everyone needs a clear plan and resources for managing budgets, investments, savings, emergency, and leisure funds and so on. Think of the best platform/method that can be adopted to keep a record of expenditure. By doing so, one can gain some control over ill-disciplined ways of finance management in the past and/or bad debts. Here, you should think over your goals and plan it out with clarity.
  • Know your limits: There are times where money stress come from supporting others financially, it is important to learn to say NO when it is beyond one’s limits. Only you can decide for yourself to what extent you can extend monetary assistance. It might hurt some relationships, but you need to treat and respect yourself better by prioritising you when you need to.
  • Revision of plan: Unexpected plans, needs and demands will keep coming through because life is unpredictable. Be open to review financial goals timely and make necessary changes as needed to ensure that it keeps up with different life stages. Ensure that plans are able to look after unexpected financial expenses.

Environmental Wellness

Environmental wellness is the impact of one’s environment on your wellbeing and the quality of life. Take for instance when neighborhood or workplace’s norms and expectations differ from ours. Most of us, in such situations, would often feel we don’t belong in this place or that a particular change would lead to positivity and happiness/peace of mind. Here I am not referring to the minor manageable concerns but the incessant major ones that require some changes. In particular, those that affect your overall wellbeing. Basically, issues that you face at work that make you question your quality of decision making, confidence, self-esteem, effectiveness, and more.

Working towards environmental wellness

  • Awareness: Understand what are the external factors that are a cause of concern and unhappiness. Think about how you would navigate through these factors. Consider whether these methods typically generate positive or negative outcomes. With that, you can reflect on how you manage these things and whether it has been effective.
  • Impact: Identify the impact of your approach and behavior on the wellness or destruction of the outdoor world and society at large. For example, one may express concern about cleanliness but behave irresponsibly in public places like littering. Learn to take ownership of your own negative behaviors and rectify them to leave a more positive impact. Be the change you wish to see.


So, through practicing financial and environmental wellness, one can try to change their external circumstances and surroundings for the better to make life more wholesome.

If you or someone you know is struggling with any issues, please feel free to approach our in-house counsellors, Ms. Harshali Kotekar and Ms. Glenda Dsilva.