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DECEMBER 2023
Well-being toolkit
By learning about and using your Costco benefits this past year, you’ve worked hard to improve emotional, financial and physical well-being for you and your family. Studies show that higher levels of well-being are associated with a lower risk of disease and injury, better immune function, increased longevity, heightened personal development and greater social connectedness. This well-being toolkit will help you keep up the good work you started.
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How to use your toolkit
Your well-being toolkit provides simple ideas to help you live healthier, improve your quality of life and realize your full potential. To get started, choose the aspect of your emotional, financial or physical well-being you’d like to work on, and then try one or more of the suggested activities. Use the toolkit whenever you need support to be your best self.
Keep the well-being toolkit as a handy checklist to use anywhere, at any time.
Take an emotional breather
Build resilience
- Create a list of things you’re grateful for, such as a great friend or warm cup of coffee.
- Look at a difficult situation from different angles to find another solution.
- Go to a park or greenspace and soak up nature.
Strengthen connections
- Spend time with your kids, friends or family members doing something you all enjoy.
- Ask for help when you’re tired or overwhelmed.
- Volunteer for causes you care about in your community.
Be mindful
- Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Go on a stroll and engage all your senses.
- Do a mental scan of your body to feel more connected to your physical and emotional self.
Take a financial time-out
Know where you stand
- Track your spending to see where your money is going.
- Check your FICO credit score (the number used to predict how likely you are to pay back a loan) through your bank or online service.
- Set up a budget to make sure you can cover your expenses.
Tackle debt
- Create a debt pay-off plan.
- Cut down on expenses that aren’t necessary.
- Reduce your credit card use.
Save for the future
- Save money for an emergency fund.
- Increase your Costco 401(k) contribution.
- Set up automatic recurring deposits into a savings account.
Take a physical break
Get active
- Set specific goals for your physical activity, like “walk a mile every day.”
- Try a free 20-minute online workout — there are lots to choose from on YouTube.
- Take the stairs or walk whenever possible.
Mind your metabolism
- Stand or walk regularly to reduce your time sitting down.
- Drink water before grabbing a snack to help fill you up.
- Sleep at least seven hours a night to keep metabolism steady.
Maintain your muscle
- Walk with small hand weights to work your arms and your core.
- Do pushups, squats or lunges when watching TV.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein.
Your Costco benefits can help you on your well-being journey. See the resources below for more information.
Sources:
Forbes. How to create a financial wellness checklist.
National Institutes of Health. Emotional wellness toolkit.
National Institutes of Health. Physical wellness toolkit.
Ramsey Solutions. The 7 baby steps.