A new year brings with it a lot of hope and new beginnings, which is why many set resolutions for the year ahead in terms of their physical, financial, professional, and other life goals. However, many struggle with seeing them through. According to a Forbes article, more than half of these resolutions will be abandoned just after one month.

In case it has been a struggle a month or so into the year, we can try taking a different and more flexible approach by setting intentions instead of resolutions. These are like guides that could help condition our mindset and make our goals more flexible, helping take some of the pressure off.

According to the 2022 Mind Health Study of leading insurance provider AXA Philippines, which examines the building blocks of mental wellbeing in Europe and Asia, one of the skills needed to achieve the top mental health state – the state of flourishing - is to reflect on one’s meaning and purpose. Looking inwards and asking ourselves what really matters to us is a good starting point to having more meaning and purpose in our lives.

AXA Philippines advocates protecting what matters and encourages everyone to take care of their physical, mental, and financial health. Here are some intentions to consider for the new year for better holistic health:

What the recent years have taught us is the possibility of life being put to a halt at any moment. This year, why not try being on the lookout for new opportunities and experiences, especially as the world opens up more. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” try saying “why not,” so you can make the most of what life has to offer. Your next big adventure might just be waiting for you to make a move.

In the same study, AXA shared that physical health behaviors can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health. Becoming fit is one of the most common new year’s resolutions, and possibly one of the hardest to sustain. 

Instead of aiming to lose a specific amount of weight, focus first on finding the right routine that you truly enjoy and can motivate you long enough to form a habit. In the end, having fun aids in consistency, so you can see the results of your hard work.

Having financial freedom is one way to ease your worries. This year, make an effort to be more mindful of your expenses and find ways to grow and protect your wealth. Instead of instant gratification, create a plan for big-ticket items and start thinking of ways to save up for it. 

Aside from just saving and investing money, protect your health as well by getting an insurance plan that fits you and your family’s needs.

Just like physical health, mental health should also be treated with the same importance. In a 2021 survey conducted by health and fitness app REBEL, only 16% of the 500 Filipino respondents targeted to reduce stress and take care of their mental health.

This 2023, aim to be more kind to yourself, promise to find more time to do something you love, seek help when needed, and overall aim to be more mindful of your mental health. Avoid burnout and learn to listen to your mind and body to know when you need a break and make time for some me-time.

As we get ready to take on the year, remember to take care of yourself to better care for those who matter to you most. To care for your holistic well-being, AXA Philippines has multiple insurance plans available for added health protection and coverage. Health Care Access is a comprehensive health plan that takes care of your overall well-being - from prevention, diagnosis, hospitalization, and treatments, and even includes coverage for mental health services.

AXA Philippines also has Health Start, which covers critical illnesses including cancers common to women such as breast and ovarian cancer, while also providing you with coverage for your child. Their Health Start Lite plan also covers the top three critical illnesses and starts at as low as Php 535 per month.

Lastly, AXA’s Global Health Access has an extensive worldwide medical coverage for the prevention and diagnosis of critical illnesses. Since caring for yourself also means taking vitamins and supplements, you can have these reimbursed as part of your plan’s coverage, which is also applicable for pregnant women and their specific needs. 

For more information or to consult with an advisor, visit the AXA Philippines website www.axa.com.ph.