In this chapter we examined many strategies for nurturing your personal and financial health. Revisit the following key points, and reflect on how you can use this information to support your success now and in the future.
Safeguarding your personal and financial health can help you manage stress. Constant severe stress can lead to physical, emotional, and mental-health problems.
Your personal health includes your physical well-being and your mental health. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and getting enough sleep can all enhance your physical well-being and mental health, enabling you to stay sharp in class and get the most value from your studies.
Anxiety and depression are two common mental-health problems for college students. Knowing what your resources are and asking for help can be critical for managing these conditions.
Sexual health is another key aspect of personal health. If you’re sexually active, understanding and protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through safe sexual practices, and practicing effective birth control if you’re not planning to start a family yet, are critical.
Managing your finances effectively can also help you mitigate stress and reach your goals. Creating a budget, and then refining it as needed, can help you manage your money effectively.
Tactics for reducing spending include distinguishing between your needs and wants and, if need be, sacrificing your wants in order to get your spending under control.
Tactics for increasing income include finding a job and getting financial aid.
Understanding your credit card interest rate and paying down balances are keys to managing credit.
The same behaviors that nurture your health in school can help you maximize your productivity and job satisfaction at work.