The Benefits of Positive Relationships GOOD FOR MIND AND HEALTH
Connecting with other humans in a positive way is one of the most profound experiences we have. That positivity is one of the greatest virtues — it’s contagious, and engaging in happy relationships with others is extremely important not only for our minds but also for our health. Longer Lives Studies have actually shown that when people are involved in positive relationships, they live longer. This is likely attributed to decreased stress, as stress can exact a toll on the entire body. Positive relationships can also encourage us to give up negative habits such as drinking or smoking, which cause many health problems and concerns. Healthy habits can help people live longer lives. Quicker Healing Positive people in our lives can distract us from pain, remind us to take medication, be our advocates, and simply reduce stress. And less stress means healing takes place faster. Those who have a support person feel more confident and prepared to undergo surgeries and fight illnesses as well. Boosted Immune Systems It makes sense — people who have less stress have stronger immune systems. During times of high stress, our bodies are more susceptible
to illnesses because our immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. The stress hormone corticosteroid can also lower the number of
lymphocytes available to fight infection. However, when we are in a happy and loving relationship, our bodies produce oxytocin, and we are less likely to get sick.
Better Physical Shape Being in a positive relationship, especially a romantic one, can provide the motivation to be the best version of ourselves. This includes our physical condition, too! Having a friend or workout partner to encourage accountability and even push us out of our comfort zone a bit at the gym can keep us motivated. Being in a positive, healthy, and happy relationship means we listen to each other, offer advice, openly communicate without judgment, practice respect and trust, and engage in healthy activities together. So, it’s no surprise that positive relationships work wonders for our health and happiness.
Closing Your 2021 Financial Checklist New Year, Improved Finances?
A new year is just a few calendar page flips away, and with this fresh start comes an opportunity to examine your finances. Consider this a starting point for your personal financial checklist to end the year. Start your taxes now. When it comes to taxes, procrastination is the enemy. While many tax forms are not available until January, you don’t have to wait until the new year to begin your taxes. In fact, starting now will allow you to begin tax planning for 2022, too! Start by gathering receipts and necessary documentation for items you wish to deduct from your taxes through itemization (as long as you don’t plan to use standard deduction rates). If, in the process of gathering your documents, you notice the need for last-minute changes, you will still have some — albeit limited — time to do so. (See the next point for a potential change you may want to consider.) Make gifts. There is tremendous value in making charitable donations while it’s still 2021. For starters, tax laws are very unlikely to change between now and the end of the year and will still impact 2021. This means any tax code changes made today and throughout 2021 will likely
impact gifting starting in 2022. So, it can be advantageous for you to give to organizations you wish to donate to while you are aware of what you can deduct from your 2021 taxes. Examine your retirement plans. Whether you retired this past year, plan to retire in 2022, or are still years away from retirement, the new year is an opportunity to thoroughly examine your plans. Start with what you are contributing to your retirement account. Could this be higher in 2022? Could you contribute the IRA max amount of $6,000? If not — or if you can save more — in what ways could you work to improve or bolster your savings plans? Then, consider the ways in which your retirement plans may have changed. The birth of grandchildren, new requirements at your job, and other transitions may cause you to push off retirement or retire early. If either is the case, you may have to reexamine how you save for retirement, when you withdraw (IRA withdrawal is required starting the year you turn 72), and the lifestyle you choose to live. Remember, there is no “magic number” in retirement. It’s about retiring at a time that’s best for you with a savings plan that has been crafted for your goals and dreams.
2 McBeathFinancialGroup.com
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