Financial advisors: don’t let your biggest asset depreciate
Kiwi financial advisors face long hours, high stress, and the constant pressure to deliver results for clients. It’s no wonder then that the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) emphasises the importance of resilience and adaptability in the financial advice sector.
But being resilient and adaptable isn’t just a switch you flick on and off – it starts first and foremost with investing in your biggest asset – your health. And no, pushing through a flu, ignoring your aching back, and surviving on coffee doesn’t equate to resilience. Sorry – it just doesn’t.
But that’s the harsh truth that many high achieving professionals need to hear – especially if you’re working in the financial advice sector. Just as you guide clients to protect and grow their wealth, you need to protect and grow your own energy and resilience, too.
The good news is that doing so doesn’t mean doing a juice cleanse or going vegan. Here’s a list of super practical things you can do.
Anxious? Try this.
The next time you feel your chest tighten, shoulders creeping up to your ears, and you’re 99 percent sure you’re about to scream at that one client…
Try this:
breathe in for four seconds
hold for four
exhale for four
and hold again.
repeat a few times…
…and you’ll quickly feel your nervous system relax.
Even better? Do it around some form of nature (sorry, the mini golf turf in the office doesn’t count). We’re in the Garden City, after all – so there’s no excuse.
Stiff? Foggy? Move, even just a little.
Spending hours at your desk analysing portfolios and compliance reports will do that. Moving, even just a little bit, can relieve any pent up tension in your body, and that relief will travel to your brain (seriously). Try it now:
Close your eyes (yes, even if there’s people around!)
Roll your shoulders forward and back.
Twist your upper body to one side while holding onto your chair, then switch sides.
Drop your ear toward your shoulder to stretch your neck.
These quick stretches don’t just ease tension, they also improve circulation and focus. Better yet? take a five-minute walk along the Avon River during your lunch break.
You don’t need to sleep to rest
Afternoon slumps are common when juggling client demands and compliance deadlines. Instead of reaching for another coffee (or, do both!) try a five-minute "non-sleep deep rest" (NSDR) session. Find a quiet spot in the office like a meeting room, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your body relax completely.
Most importantly? Resist the urge to give up and get back to work. You might feel bored, or silly, or like the exercise is pointless – and it is, if you give up. But stick it out for just 5 minutes, and we promise you’ll feel better.
Small sensory resets for big results
Stress is inevitable in financial advising—especially when dealing with market volatility or demanding clients. Essential oils like peppermint or citrus can provide a quick mood boost without disrupting work. Lavender or eucalyptus might help you decompress after particularly intense meetings. And no, it doesn’t make you a hippy.
Make hydration easier (drink something nice — no, not whiskey)
Dehydration impacts cognitive performance—a critical concern when making high-stakes decisions for clients. And yes, sometimes water is just…boring. We get it. Why not try keeping a bottle of sparkling water at your desk to make it a little more inspiring? You could even add a few berries and slices of lemon – trust us, it actually makes you drink more. Isn’t human psychology weird?
Your health isn’t woo-woo, it’s practical
Let’s be clear: focusing on health isn’t about being trendy or indulgent. It’s about being practical. Your ability to think clearly under pressure, build strong client relationships, and sustain long-term career success depends on how well you take care of yourself. The FMA’s emphasis on resilience and adaptability in the financial advice sector only highlights this. For advisors especially, prioritising health is essential—not optional—for maintaining resilience under pressure.
Yes, even financial advisors can do yoga
Financial advisors are used to thinking long-term when it comes to their clients’ futures — but sometimes forget about their own. Whether it’s taking short walks during the day or getting out the Soda Stream again, you know better than us that small changes compound over time into big results.
And if you’re really ready to invest, consider booking in with us for a private yoga lesson at your place – whether that’s the office, home or somewhere outdoors you love. No, you don’t need to be spiritual, you don’t need any yoga experience, and you don’t need to be flexible! In fact, you don’t even need your own yoga mat – we bring all the equipment for you. You can even wear your business suit if you want!