84.2% of adults in Great Britain say that they are 'worried' or 'very worried' about the effect Covid-19 is having on their life, and just over half said that it was affecting their wellbeing.

You might be struggling with your wellbeing during Covid-19. Managing everyday life and engaging with your work might have become challenging, and you might also be finding it harder to keep up your regular exercise routine. Perhaps you’ve encountered an impact on your finances which is causing you stress?

All of this is understandable at this unprecedented time. While there are many traditional resources available to help you, during a time of crisis, the usual advice and rules might not apply. This guide will cover how to notice difficulties and improve your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.

Many of us are going through a change in our employment situation right now, which might be leading to financial worries.

That’s why Bippit, the app which provides you with a dedicated financial expert, has put together the following guide to help you look after your financial wellbeing during a crisis.

Reducing your outgoings

• Take a look at your current financial commitments and see whether there are any services that could be frozen or cancelled.
• Subscriptions to services such as music streaming platforms or Amazon Prime often offer the ability to freeze your membership, so you can come back to them once your finances are more predictable.
• Review your utilities and other bills to make sure you are getting the best deal. Bill switching can save you hundreds of pounds a year, so why not give it a try on comparison websites like this one?
• Did you make any holiday plans before Covid-19? If you've had to cancel them, you might be entitled to a refund. Contact the companies you booked with (bear in mind that many people are in your situation, so you might have to wait to receive your money).
• If you have any other expenses for activities you can't do remotely, check whether you can get a partial refund. These might include after-school clubs and sports clubs.
• You might be going out less - try putting the money you’d normally spend towards savings or paying off a debt that’s been hanging over you.

Check what you are entitled to

Many of us are facing real lifestyle changes as a result of the pandemic - and we're not just talking about keeping our distance in the supermarket. With schools closed and some family members vulnerable, you might find that you have more people depending on you.

You don't have to go through it by yourself: the Government might be able to help you. In fact, millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed each year. Visit www.gov.uk to find information on benefits, support, and other services.

Keep lines of communication open with your employer

Many of you are facing difficulties and anxiety during this scary time as shown in the graph below:

Perhaps you're worried about:

• Decreased working hours
• Work and childcare commitments
• Workplace closures
• Being asked to work from home

Now, more than ever, it's important for everyone to be on the same page. Talk to your manager or HR department if you're concerned - finding a solution that works for everyone means you're supported, and business goes on.

Help is available: 83% of employers have already put support in place, and some workplaces are offering services like Bippit to provide expert guidance during this time.

Get professional financial guidance / Ask for help

If making big financial decisions right now seems daunting to you, know that you are not alone. Looking after your financial wellbeing often requires expert support, especially in these very uncertain times. To get professional support, there are few options available to you. You could use crisis helplines such as Money Advice Service, Turn2Us or Step Change or choose to speak to an Independent Financial advisor directly.

There are a huge number of benefits to using a financial advisor, and a recent report by Royal London suggested that getting expert help could increase your wealth by up to £50k over 10 years.

The great thing about discussing your finances with a professional is that they can explain complex topics in a way that makes sense. They can help with a range of issues, whether that’s investing in the stock market, organising your pension, getting on the property ladder, or simply guiding you through the support that might be available to you. So whatever's on your mind, with apps like Bippit, an expert can provide you with professional financial guidance that’s tailored to your needs.

For more details on how to improve your overall financial wellbeing, please check our guide on how making small, smart changes can boost your bank balance, health and productivity.