Therapy, also known as counseling, involves talking openly with a mental health professional about how to relieve emotional distress. Counselors have specialized training in conflict resolution and problem-solving, which means they can help you define your problems more clearly and resolve them more easily.¹

Knowing when to connect with a counselor is critical.² The sooner you address concerns about your emotional wellbeing, the sooner you can settle them.

Here are 6 reasons to connect with a counselor:

1. YOU’RE EXPERIENCING A HIGH LEVEL OF STRESS. Experiencing high levels of stress for long periods of time can cause damage to your health. Reaching out to a counselor can help you develop healthy coping strategies for managing stress.
2. YOU ARE FACING A BIG LIFE CHANGE. Change can feel overwhelming, especially when it is unexpected. A counselor can help you manage the intense emotions that often bubble up during the change process.
3. YOU ARE USING UNHEALTHY NUMBING STRATEGIES. Using substances like drugs or alcohol to numb uncomfortable feelings can take a serious toll on your health. A counselor can help you find healthier alternatives for managing your feelings.
4. YOU FEEL SAD. Feeling sad occasionally is normal. Change and loss are shared human experiences, and sadness is inevitable. Feeling sad for periods of time lasting more than two weeks, though, can be a sign of depression³.
5. YOU FEEL LONELY. There is a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Loneliness and isolation can lead to depression, which carries additional health risks.
6. YOU FEEL HELPLESS. Feeling like you have no options is paralyzing. If you feel trapped, a counselor may be able to help you see options you could not see on your own. If you are unable to resolve your problems on your own, a therapist may be able to help you see things differently. Connecting with a counselor can be instrumental in helping you move through life’s more challenging circumstances. To find a counselor in your area, visit psychologytoday.com.

According to the CDC, in 2019 19.2% adults in the U.S. sought treatment for a mental health concern.⁴

1. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy
2. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding
3. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
4. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm

Saving money is often easier said than done, especially when ads and marketing campaigns are constantly trying to lure your dollars away from you. Money is also a big source of stress, and one study found that money issues were even more stressful than jobs or relationships.¹

There is little doubt that saving money is an essential habit for your financial Well-being. If this is one of your health-related goals, try these simple money-saving tips:

1. Automate. Automate your savings strategy by setting up automatic transfers from your key accounts on a regular basis. Leveraging technology makes saving quick and easy.
2. Make extra mortgage payments. Pay down your principle earlier to reduce the amount of total interest you pay over the lifetime of your loan.
3. Ride your bike. For shorter trips, ride your bike or walk instead of driving. Not only is the exercise good for your health, but it will also save you money on fuel.
4. Eat at home more. Cook at home more often to better control your food expenses.
5. Review your financial statements regularly. Review your financial account statements regularly to identify fraudulent or suspicious activity quickly

Saving money is essential to your financial well-being, and leveraging a few simple money-saving tips can make a big difference over time.

1. https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progress-2018

You probably already know that exercise is integral to a healthy lifestyle, but how much exercise is enough? The answer depends on many factors, including your unique health needs, goals, and personal preferences.

Physical Activity Recommendations

Here are some of the current physical activity recommendations for various health goals:

• To maintain good health and prevent chronic conditions, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, or roughly 20 minutes each day. For additional health benefits, do muscle strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups 2 days a week.¹
• To prevent weight gain, it is recommended to aim for 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity each day.²
• To promote weight loss, experts suggest increasing physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or about 45 minutes each day.³ Some have recommended higher levels that are closer to 420 minutes each week, which equates to 60 minutes each day.⁴
• To prevent weight regain after a weight loss, the recommendation is to aim for 60 minutes or more daily.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, moving your body on a regular basis is essential for achieving and maintaining good health, and most people benefit from getting between 20 and 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Remember to always discuss any changes to your normal physical activity routines with your doctor.