8 smart things to start doing now for a better life

MANILA, Philippines — You're brimming with ideas. The energy inside you is just bursting. There are so many things that you want to do, and this is the best time to start to finally make those dreams come true.

Thanks to technology, a lot of things are now readily available and easily accessible. With just a few simple clicks, you can finish different transactions, whenever and wherever you are. With the right strategy and tools, you can navigate and take full control of your life.

Just how do you do that? Here are eight suggestions from UnionBank online:

1. Invest in yourself.

Always be open to learn something new all the time. In life, you never really stop learning. So, do not limit yourself to what you already know. Keep up with the times. Constantly grow and add value to yourself by learning a new skill that will come handy in your life and career.

Why not master content creation, or maybe learn Mandarin Chinese, Nihongo, or Spanish? Many websites and apps like edX and Duolingo offer lessons for free. Indulge in some brain exercises by trying them out.

2. Open separate accounts for your savings and spending budget.

You may not be one who spends your full salary as it comes. You may also sometimes be tempted to spend more than what you limit yourself to. In the process, you compromise your savings and set back your plans for the future.

Save yourself from trouble by opening separate accounts for savings and spending budget. Opening an account is now hassle-free with most banks, such as UnionBank. You simply download UnionBank Online, select the kind of account to open, upload a clear valid ID, take a selfie, and submit. After 24 hours, your account will be verified, then you can use it.

3. Set goals for your dream house or car.

Want to save up for that dream house or car but can’t seem to find the money? You will never find the money for it if you don’t set a goal for it.

Seek help from apps. UnionBank Online, for one, has a Goals feature that automatically saves up for anything you want. Set the amount to save weekly, monthly, or quarterly, and get motivated by checking the estimated goal completion date and how close you are to completing it. Once the goal is completed or you decide to pull out the funds midway, the money can be withdrawn partially or fully.

4. Take care of your body by exercising.

Studies show that adults feel less stressed after exercising. So exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

To make things easier, look for fun workout routines online and follow. Strive to achieve a balanced diet. Make it a goal to eat one to two cups of fruits and two to three cups of vegetables every day to properly nourish your body. 

5. Get yourself an insurance.

Say no to compromising hard-earned savings during emergencies. Instead, be prepared for such eventualities by getting insurance policies way in advance.

Compare and choose from a variety of Life and Accident insurances offered by different banks, both in their physical branches and online. For one, UnionBank Online’s Insurance Marketplace allows you to keep yourself and your loved ones protected for a year for as low as P250. Get insured to secure your future.

6. Build a network.

Having connections has its benefits, especially in the long run. Build a stronger network by attending workshops, conferences, or gatherings hosted by the industries you’re interested in.

There are events like the E-commerce Masterclass for starting online business owners as well as trade fairs, where you may stumble upon good business concepts and, even better, make important connections.

7. Start investing.

Working alone is not enough to make money grow. You would need to make sound investments that will make your money grow at a higher rate. Make sure, though, that you invest only in trusted and legitimate companies.

8. Give yourself a break.

Explore activities that can give you a serotonin boost so you can face the future with a well-rested mind. Try out free yoga sessions or keep a bullet journal for tracking to-do lists and habits and for recording both short- and long-term goals.

To reduce stress and anxiety, you can engage in something seemingly mundane and trivial as coloring books for adults if that is what will relax your mind. 

Navigating the adulting world does not have to be daunting if you take full responsibility and control over yourself.

RELATED: Should age stop you from getting insurance? Finance executive answers