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Jordan News
4 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Two Simple Habits That Improve Mental Health - Jordan News
A recent study has revealed that sticking to simple financial behaviors—such as regular saving and timely debt repayment—not only improves mental health and boosts morale, but also strengthens social bonds. اضافة اعلان Finance experts at the University of South Australia found that maintaining consistent savings and repaying debts on time has a positive effect on mental well-being. According to Stack Daily, the study analyzed data from the 'Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia' (HILDA) survey—a long-term database that includes information on economic conditions, mental and physical health, employment patterns, family life, and personal experiences of more than 17,000 Australians aged 15 and older, collected between 2001 and 2021. Researchers discovered that people who followed a steady financial routine—particularly regular saving and prompt debt repayment—reported better mental health, higher energy levels, stronger social connections, and greater overall life satisfaction. Professor Raghavendra Banerjee from the University of South Australia explained that high debt levels and low savings negatively impact mental health. He added, 'We found that individuals who save regularly and set money aside experience the best mental health, while those who don't save at all face psychological stress. The same principle applies to repaying debt.' The study also showed that rising costs of essential services place an increasing financial burden on young people, who often have lower savings and higher debt, thereby increasing financial pressure and negatively impacting both their financial behaviors and mental health. Notably, the study found that the positive mental health impact of regular saving and debt repayment was more pronounced among men than women. Published in the journal Stress and Health, the study highlighted that consistent financial habits improve mental health regardless of social or economic status—even saving small amounts can yield meaningful benefits. Professor Banerjee emphasized, 'Financial stress is an extremely distressing experience that negatively affects both mental health and one's financial future.' He continued, 'When someone is under financial pressure, they often can't save or invest toward future goals, and may be forced to rely on borrowing just to meet basic needs—trapping them in a cycle of debt and high interest.'
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Start budgeting to be happier: New study reveals surprising link between smart money management and mental health
A Lifeline Amid Rising Living Costs You Might Also Like: Trusting ChatGPT with your mental health? Experts warn it might be fueling delusions Why Men Benefit More And Why That's Concerning Building a Foundation for the Future You Might Also Like: Drowning in depression and burnout, millennial employee adopts Gen Z tactic for mental health In an eye-opening new study, finance experts at the University of South Australia have found a surprisingly strong connection between everyday financial habits and mental wellbeing . From regular savings to timely credit card repayments, the research suggests that your wallet and your mind may be more closely linked than you study titled 'Understanding the Effect of Financial Behaviour on Mental Health: Evidence From Australia', based on data from the long-running Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, followed over 17,000 Australians aged 15 and older across two decades. Researchers discovered that individuals who followed stable financial routines — especially those who saved consistently and paid off credit card debt on time — reported not only better mental health, but also higher energy levels, stronger social ties, and greater overall life Rajabrata Banerjee, an expert in applied economics and a member of UniSA's Centre for Markets, Values and Inclusion, explains that while the stress of debt has long been known to negatively affect mental health, less attention has been paid to the positive impact of proactive money habits 'We already know that having high debt and low savings has a negative impact on mental health,' Banerjee said in the university's official release. 'But we wanted to learn more about the behaviors — like how often someone saves or pays off debt — that might reduce financial strain and improve wellbeing.'The findings couldn't be more timely. With Australians grappling with rising utility bills and persistent cost-of-living pressures, the financial strain is more real than ever, especially for younger people. The study found that sharp increases in the cost of electricity, gas and water hit younger individuals hardest, since they typically have lower savings and higher levels of debt. This in turn affects their ability to save or pay off debt, triggering a cycle of financial stress and mental the benefits of healthy money habits weren't exclusive to any particular income group. Whether someone earned a little or a lot, the study showed that consistent saving and debt management offered a mental health boost. Even small savings could make a meaningful difference when done notable finding was the gender gap in financial impact . 'The positive effect of savings on mental health was stronger for men than for women,' said Banerjee. This may reflect deeper societal patterns where men are still more often the primary financial decision-makers in households, a factor that can exacerbate gender disparities in both money management and mental health study makes a compelling case for rethinking personal finance not just as an economic tool, but as a mental health strategy. Financial hardship, Banerjee warns, can lead to a loss of independence, long-term insecurity, and even continuous debt cycles.'When people are financially strained, they often miss out on investing in their future, and that adds to a sense of hopelessness,' he noted. 'But healthy financial behaviors create stability, open doors, and significantly reduce mental stress.'So while therapy, mindfulness, and self-care remain essential to wellbeing, don't underestimate the quiet power of consistent savings and timely bill payments. Sometimes, peace of mind begins with a balance sheet.
Economic Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Start budgeting to be happier: New study reveals surprising link between smart money management and mental health
iStock A recent University of South Australia study reveals a significant link between financial habits and mental wellbeing. Analyzing data from over 17,000 Australians, researchers found that consistent saving and timely debt repayment correlate with improved mental health, higher energy levels, and greater life satisfaction. (Image: iStock) In an eye-opening new study, finance experts at the University of South Australia have found a surprisingly strong connection between everyday financial habits and mental wellbeing. From regular savings to timely credit card repayments, the research suggests that your wallet and your mind may be more closely linked than you think. The study titled 'Understanding the Effect of Financial Behaviour on Mental Health: Evidence From Australia', based on data from the long-running Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, followed over 17,000 Australians aged 15 and older across two decades. Researchers discovered that individuals who followed stable financial routines — especially those who saved consistently and paid off credit card debt on time — reported not only better mental health, but also higher energy levels, stronger social ties, and greater overall life satisfaction. Professor Rajabrata Banerjee, an expert in applied economics and a member of UniSA's Centre for Markets, Values and Inclusion, explains that while the stress of debt has long been known to negatively affect mental health, less attention has been paid to the positive impact of proactive money habits. 'We already know that having high debt and low savings has a negative impact on mental health,' Banerjee said in the university's official release. 'But we wanted to learn more about the behaviors — like how often someone saves or pays off debt — that might reduce financial strain and improve wellbeing.' The findings couldn't be more timely. With Australians grappling with rising utility bills and persistent cost-of-living pressures, the financial strain is more real than ever, especially for younger people. The study found that sharp increases in the cost of electricity, gas and water hit younger individuals hardest, since they typically have lower savings and higher levels of debt. This in turn affects their ability to save or pay off debt, triggering a cycle of financial stress and mental fatigue. Interestingly, the benefits of healthy money habits weren't exclusive to any particular income group. Whether someone earned a little or a lot, the study showed that consistent saving and debt management offered a mental health boost. Even small savings could make a meaningful difference when done regularly. Another notable finding was the gender gap in financial impact. 'The positive effect of savings on mental health was stronger for men than for women,' said Banerjee. This may reflect deeper societal patterns where men are still more often the primary financial decision-makers in households, a factor that can exacerbate gender disparities in both money management and mental health outcomes. The study makes a compelling case for rethinking personal finance not just as an economic tool, but as a mental health strategy. Financial hardship, Banerjee warns, can lead to a loss of independence, long-term insecurity, and even continuous debt cycles. 'When people are financially strained, they often miss out on investing in their future, and that adds to a sense of hopelessness,' he noted. 'But healthy financial behaviors create stability, open doors, and significantly reduce mental stress.' So while therapy, mindfulness, and self-care remain essential to wellbeing, don't underestimate the quiet power of consistent savings and timely bill payments. Sometimes, peace of mind begins with a balance sheet.
7NEWS
31-07-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Almost half our young Australians are lonely
Loneliness is not a word often associated with young people. We tend to think of our youth as a time spent with family, friends and being engaged with school and work activities. Loneliness is an experience we may be more likely to associate with older people. In a new report looking at loneliness in young Australians, we found 43 per cent of people aged 15 to 25 feel lonely. That's more than two in five young people. While one in four felt lonely when asked, one in seven had felt lonely for at least two years — what we call persistent loneliness. There's more we should be doing in Australia to address loneliness among young people and more broadly. What else did we find? In this report, we analysed data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey from 2022 to 2023. This helped us understand what sort of factors increase the risk of loneliness among young people. We found having poor physical health and mental health can double (or more) the likelihood of persistent loneliness among young people. Life circumstances, as well as socioeconomic and behavioural factors, also play a role, as shown below. Worryingly, young people who report persistent loneliness are over seven times more likely to experience high or very high psychological distress compared to those who aren't lonely. But loneliness in young people should not be seen just as a mental health issue. Research shows it can have consequences for physical health too. For example, a study published in 2024 found loneliness is linked to early signs of vascular dysfunction (functional changes to the arteries) in adults as young as 22. Why does loneliness persist? As well as analysing data, we also interviewed young people aged 16 to 25 from diverse backgrounds about what helps them make healthy social connections, and what hinders them. One of the things they flagged was a need for safe community spaces. A male participant from metro New South Wales, aged between 22 and 25, said: 'After lectures, someone's hungry, you go to eat together.' 'We used to go to (a restaurant) after almost every lecture. 'Talk or discuss some things so it gave us that extra opportunity to mingle amongst each other and take that next step towards building a good friendship.' We found technology could both help and hinder social connections. A female from regional Victoria, aged 22 to 25, who identified as LGBTIQ+, told us: 'If you're in school or something like that and you don't really have … many people within your community to look to, it's really nice being able to connect with people and make those friends online.' On the flip side, a female participant from metropolitan Victoria, aged between 16 and 18, said: 'A lot of maybe like mean stuff or like bullying and stuff happens over the Internet.' 'There's a big group chat and like everyone's texting on it or something. 'And then a lot of the time, people will break off into a smaller chat … or they'll break off into one on one and be like, ohh, do you see what she said?' The high cost of living was also regarded as a hindrance to maintaining social connections. As a male aged 22 to 25 from metro NSW told us: 'You'll go on (a) drive (with friends) or whatever … but that is so like incredibly expensive.' 'Having to pay for your own car and like petrol and insurance and maintenance. 'Sometimes it's hard to … even like … sit down in peace and have a chat. 'All the cafés will close at 2pm and by the time everyone gets out of their jobs, you're having to go to a restaurant and (you're) spending $50.' So what can we do? Loneliness has long been treated as a personal issue, but it's increasingly clear we have to shift our approach to include community-wide and systemic solutions. The World Health Organization's Commission on Social Connection recently released a report pointing to loneliness as a public health, social, community and economic issue. In Australia, the economic burden of loneliness stands at A$2.7 billion each year for associated health-care costs, including GP and hospital visits. And there are additional costs including lower workforce productivity and educational outcomes that have yet to be accounted for. Some countries have already developed and implemented strategies to address loneliness. In 2023, Denmark, for example, commissioned the development of a national loneliness action plan led by a consortium of organisations. This was underpinned by an investment of around 21 million Danish kroner (roughly A$5 million) over 2023–25. Australia now stands at a crossroads. Australia needs a national loneliness strategy A national strategy underpinned by evidence and by lived experience is crucial to effectively address loneliness. This approach would: coordinate efforts across sectors: health, education, social services and business identify effective strategies that should be included in a comprehensive response, and the principles to guide their delivery in communities and other settings highlight sub-groups at risk of persistent loneliness who should be prioritised within population-wide strategies commit to the delivery of a national awareness campaign that can educate the public and reduce stigma around loneliness. With the right national strategy, we will be able to increase our capacity to help all Australians, not just young people, connect in meaningful ways. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The Guardian
20-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Australia's gen Z men more likely to hold sexist views, data shows, as ‘manosphere' influences take hold
Teachers are reporting instances of boys claiming the pay gap doesn't exist, says sociologist Samantha Schulz. They are encountering boys claiming women lie about rape, who say that men are superior, and increasingly say things such as 'make me a sandwich', a modern take on the trope that a woman's place is in the kitchen. Schulz, an associate professor at the University of Adelaide, has studied the increasingly abusive behaviour of male school and university students towards their teachers. This week, new data confirmed Australia's gen Z men hold progressively sexist ideas, adding to existing research showing rising levels of misogyny amid a generation heavily influenced by the 'manosphere'. Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter Erin Clarke, a research economist at the e61 Institute, crunched data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (Hilda) survey to show a clear trend of young men increasingly believing in traditional gender roles. Gen Z men were born between 1997 and 2012 and are now aged between 13 and 28. Clarke's work reveals those aged 15 to 24 showed the most noticeable uptick in belief in traditional gender norms. – It is better for everyone involved if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children. – Children do just as well if the mother earns the money and the father cares for the home and the children. – A father should be as heavily involved in the care of his children as the mother. – Mothers who don't really need the money shouldn't work. – If both partners in a couple work, they should share equally in the housework and care of children. – It is not good for a relationship if the woman earns more than the man. – On the whole, men make better political leaders than women do. – A working mother can establish just as good a relationship with her children as a mother who does not work for pay. Clarke charted attitudes on gender norms from 2001 to 2023, ranking responses on a scale of one to seven based on people's agreement with statements such as: 'It is better for everyone involved if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children.' Seven represents 'strong agreement'. Other statements included: 'On the whole, men make better political leaders than women do', and 'Mothers who don't really need the money shouldn't work'. Clarke found that while young women are continuing to move away from traditional gender ideas, gen Z men are more likely to believe them compared with millennial and gen X men. 'There's a general trend downwards … the average belief in traditional gender roles has been declining for the last 20 years,' Clarke says. 'But this group of gen Z men seems to be the exception to this trend.' Until 2018, data showed gen Z men broadly held similar views to others a bit older that them, but that has changed even when factors including education, whether they're partnered, and whether they live in a city or a rural area are accounted for. 'There is something going on,' she says. Sign up to Afternoon Update: Election 2025 Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key election campaign stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion She notes that existing preliminary data doesn't pinpoint an obvious cause. But experts link the 'manosphere' – a network of websites, blogs, influencers and chatrooms promoting extremist views about male supremacy – to reports of young men intimidating, harassing and threatening teachers, falsely claiming that the gender pay gap doesn't exist, and falsely claiming that women routinely lie about rape. Schulz agrees such behaviour has intensified and 'is reflective of manosphere messaging'. She has found university staff are also reporting an increase in disrespectful behaviour, adding women are reaching out to her because of the backlash from gen Z men in response to women teaching diversity-related content, or teaching in non-traditional areas, such as business. Schulz refers to the work of Steven Roberts and Stephanie Wescott from Monash University, whose research has found a rise in sexism, sexual harassment and misogyny in Australian schools. Social media algorithms bring young boys and men into contact with the manosphere, which in turn feeds them misogyny. That content can radicalise some boys, which can in turn perpetuate the gender inequality that underpins violence against women. Wescott has likened the process to radicalisation into far-right extremism. Alleged rapist and human trafficker Andrew Tate is often singled out as one of the leading figures of the manosphere because of his large following on social media, but it also incorporates men's rights activists, incels, men going their own way, and others. In March, a United Nations Women's report on gender equality found that the manosphere was responsible for moving misogyny into the mainstream. UN Women researcher Laura Turquet said it was 'organised resistance to gains that have been made on gender equality', and included the targeting of women's rights defenders, women in politics and others 'who dare put their heads above the parapet and speak out on gender equality'. A global study by Ipsos for International Women's Day found about half of Australian men thought 'things have gone far enough' when it comes to giving women equal rights with men, and that most Australian men think men are being expected to do too much to support equality. Across the 31 countries surveyed, gen Z and millennials were more likely to think that a man who stays home to look after his children is less of a man than gen X and baby boomers do. Schulz accuses some commentators of trying to downplay the shift by blaming women for how they manage young men, and ignoring the very real change in the current generation's deep-seated beliefs and behaviours. That's 'gaslighting bullshit', she says. 'You're just not acknowledging the scale and magnitude.'
