How Can a Healthy Lifestyle Save You Money

 Many people would undoubtedly list many physical and mental benefits if asked about the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle. However, very few people would highlight the financial benefits of being in good health. This reality is quite surprising, given that the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditures Survey revealed that Americans are spending twice as much on healthcare as they did in the 1980s. Therefore, it is prudent to stay on top of your health to save as much money as possible. Here's how a healthy lifestyle can help you save more cash.

1. Spend less on transportation

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Gas, parking, car maintenance, and public transport fees are daily expenses that can quickly add up and cost you significant cash per year. Therefore, using your car less often in favor of walking or biking is worth considering to save money, so keep this in mind. It might not always be feasible to avoid using the car, but you can replace car rides with walking or biking to nearby destinations anytime the opportunity presents itself. This way, you will reap the benefits of frequent exercise and save a lot of money each year.

2. Exercise reduces health bills

Exercise heightens energy, improves sleep, lifts mood, and can lead to a longer lifespan. Many experts recommend engaging in just 30 minutes of daily physical activity, and you can satisfy this requirement with only brisk walks. In addition, exercise can do a lot for your bank account. The Mayo Clinic says that regular physical activity lowers the risk of chronic health conditions like coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, which can cause irregular heartbeat or even be fatal if left untreated. Regular exercise can keep diabetes, strokes, and certain cancers at bay. These conditions are all costly, so preventing them through exercise is a great way to save money on healthcare.

3. More affordable life insurance

Life insurance typically comes with huge fees and premiums, and many individuals often wonder if they can do anything about this besides paying through the nose. Thankfully, you can do something about your life insurance costs by improving your health since your premiums are calculated based on the state of your health. Indeed, many life insurance providers require you to undergo a medical examination before deciding whether to give you a policy and how much this policy will cost. You may qualify for more affordable life insurance rates if you live a healthy life, whether you are a new customer or an existing client seeking to lower their rates.

4. No more expensive vices

Common vices like smoking and alcohol consumption are costly and unhealthy, so you will do your body and pocket good by giving them up. According to the National Cancer Institute, cigarettes cost $6.28, so sustaining a pack-a-day smoking habit will set you back $188 monthly or $2,292 yearly. If you live in areas like New York, where cigarettes have higher state and local taxes, you may pay as much as $320 per month and $3,895 to smoke a pack a day. Also, drinking alcohol can make your wallet about $565 lighter each year. The possibility of developing numerous health conditions from this habit ranging from cirrhosis to pancreatitis can also position you for costly future treatments. As such, quitting smoking and drinking can help you save money besides protecting your organs.

5. Fewer sick days

If you eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and follow the accepted healthy living guidelines, you will likely take fewer sick days from work. Admittedly, no guarantee following these generally accepted guidelines will lead to fewer sick days since several factors affect when and how people get sick. However, a healthy individual, in general, would be sick less often than an unhealthy person. You make more money the less you miss work and advance towards your career goals faster if you are not sick.

6. Economical grocery trips

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Frozen dishes and junk food are convenient and cheap meals, but they aren't necessarily beneficial to your overall health. There's a huge misconception that healthy eating is quite expensive, but you can save a lot of money if you ditch the take-out and fast food, plan your meals, and stick to a budget. For instance, a big bag of chips and a bunch of bananas cost about the same price but have different effects on your overall health. Therefore, it is better to opt for nutritious options when grocery shopping to save money over time while improving your health and wellbeing.