SuperFriend

REST is proud to support SuperFriend - the Industry Funds Forum Mental Health Foundation. SuperFriend is a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of industry super fund members.

Don't let money worries affect your mental health

In these challenging times, it's important to take care of your physical and mental health - to see these as two sides of the same coin. Be sensible about managing your finances, but remember your health comes first.

A healthier lifestyle helps us to cope better with the stresses of everyday life, and means being less at risk of developing conditions that start to affect us as we grow older. Healthy finances mean ensuring your money is working for you - tomorrow as well as today.

Tips for healthy living

• Check it out. Many health problems can be detected early or avoided if you get checked out regularly. If there are any aches, pains or worries, your GP can help work out what's going on.
• Rate your diet and exercise habits: explore healthier options - more fruit and vegetables, a sport or hobby that gets and keeps you active.
• Make time to relax and unwind regularly: going for a walk, having a massage, listening to music or immersing yourself in a good book or movie all help. It's good to tell your mind and body they are 'off duty' and have a right to relax.
• Talk about it: make sure you have family, friends or a counsellor with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings. This helps sort out problems and creates an outlet for any stress or anxiety that may crop up.

Tips for healthy finances

• Reduce debt - whether it's combining credit cards or lowering your personal loan, efforts to lower any debt (and money spent on interest rates) can help.
• Health insurance: make sure your existing cover matches your age and lifestyle.
• See a financial planner: expert advice can help structure your savings and expenditure.
• Think small, but regular: small amounts of regular savings turn into large amounts over time
• Research: get as much advice and information as possible before signing on the dotted line; you worked hard for your money, don't let it go to waste.

This article was produced by SANE Australia for REST and SuperFriend. For more information about the industry super fund's mental health initiative, as well as resources on mental health and wellbeing at work, visit the SuperFriend website