Between bear markets, tumbling consumer confidence and that run of miserable All Blacks games, we’re feeling about twice as unhappy in this new, post-covid ‘upside down’ than before. 😐 Many of us are running on (expensive) fumes and inflation ain’t helping. Yep, there are direct links between the state of the economy and our mental health. So it feels like we could all do with a bit more self-care right now.

And look, if your idea of self-care involves treating yourself to two double Big Macs, a large Coke and a McFlurry Sandwich, we’re not here to argue. 🍔 Nor is McDonald’s (MCD). They reported global same-store sales growth of nearly 10% year-on-year for the second quarter of 2022. Coca-Cola’s (KO) hoping to get us fizzing too, and they’ve delivered a 12% increase in sales year-on-year in the second quarter. Getting outside and into greenery may elevate our mental health, but Coke says they’re ditching the green… that is, Sprite bottles, to make them, erm, even more green? 🌳

Exercise is another proven mood booster. And we’ll have to wait until next week to see if the good vibrations can swing to gym bunnies Planet Fitness’ (PLNT) earnings. 💪 But seems it’s been all pain and no gain so far for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch at F45 Training (FXLV). Last week the Mark Wahlberg backed gym revised down their estimates of future earnings, and announced that founder and CEO Adam Gilchrist will be stepping down. The company’s share price has cramped up, falling 82% this year, while shares in Planet Fitness, by contrast, are down just 14%, roughly in line with the S&P 500 index. 🪐

With so much going on - and stress-watching Kiwis in the Commonwealth Games and the All Blacks set to kick off The Rugby Championship this weekend - be kind to yourself, and take time for self-care. 🤗