Working less thanks to technological progress

The automation of work is creating an occupational metamorphosis, in which tasks usually done by humans are transferred to a set of technologies. Economics is not spared, and artificial intelligence is also gaining ground. But are economic forecasting algorithms a real alternative to economists?

As a result of the digitisation process of the last decades, huge amounts of data are being generated that are transforming the methods by which we analyse statistical models. Storing, registering, and analysing this constant flow of information has become an essential task for many sectors of the economy.

A technological revolution has opened up new possibilities in economic and financial forecasting capabilities. The analysis of these large databases, known as ‘big data’, would not be possible without artificial intelligence (AI). A rather broad term that encompasses a whole range of ideas.

Even so, there are two concepts in this field: machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), mathematical algorithms that allow computers to identify patterns in data and make predictions by imitating humans. Two computational advances that form the basis of economic forecasting with artificial intelligence.

An algorithmic crystal ball

Experts often compare algorithmic forecasting to “a crystal ball”. Indeed, this metaphor is the title of an internal study published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in which the authors of the research, Jin-Kyu Jung, Manasa Patnam and Anna Ter-Martirosyan, try to establish whether macroeconomic forecasting algorithms can improve on the results predicted by IMF economists themselves.

The study applies three different machine learning algorithms to a common economic forecasting problem, and the results are surprising. In all three cases, the algorithmic prediction far surpassed the benchmark performance of IMF economists.

In their observations, the authors warn that there are still factors that require further research. They also state that, for these predictions to be truly effective, real-time observations would have to be included. They explain that there is some freedom in the introduction of the parameters used by the algorithms, and that this may be key to determining their effectiveness.

Even so, in their conclusion they agree on the fact that the potential of machine learning in terms of statistical analysis of economic data is evident; and that, although these predictions made by algorithms cannot fully replace the work of economists, they represent a valuable additional reference when making decisions on economic forecasting.

11Onze is the community fintech of Catalonia. Open an account by downloading the super app El Canut for Android or iOS and join the revolution!

Finding a place to live has ceased to be a basic need and has become a global competition. It is no longer just about paying for a roof, but about entering —or being excluded from— a market dominated by large capital. In Spain, many families spend more than 40% of their income on rent, while in Catalonia poverty is increasing despite economic growth. And housing prices keep rising. The question is clear: how did an essential right become the world’s main financial asset… and who is paying the price?

For decades, housing was a pillar of life security. A place to live, build a family, and create stability. But this paradigm broke down at the end of the 20th century, when the financialization of the economy transformed real estate into an investment vehicle within the global system. Like stocks or bonds, but with one key difference: it is limited and essential. This dual nature makes it an extraordinarily attractive asset.

In a context of low interest rates and excess liquidity, large capital quickly identified this opportunity. Investing in housing offered returns, security, and guaranteed demand. The result has been an uneven competition, where citizens no longer compete with each other but with global funds with almost unlimited capacity. Thus, the real estate market has stopped responding to social needs and now follows purely financial logic.

This process is not accidental. It responds to an economic model that turns real assets into instruments of rent extraction. It is no longer necessary to control territories: it is enough to control key assets. And among them all, housing stands above the rest. Because it is not just an investment. It is a vital necessity. And this is precisely where its strength… and its danger lie.

Wages that do not keep up

Wages are not keeping pace with housing costs, and this is the core of the problem. According to the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, more than €1,300 per month is needed to live with dignity, a figure many workers do not reach. Meanwhile, housing can absorb up to 34% of household spending, or up to 45% when utilities are included.

This mismatch is consolidating a new reality: that of the working poor—people with jobs who cannot guarantee a decent standard of living. Working no longer guarantees living. And this is the real paradigm shift.

At the same time, inflation has accelerated this imbalance in a silent but forceful way. Liquidity injected by central banks is not distributed evenly, but flows into assets: stocks, commodities… and housing. This generates asset inflation that drives prices up without wages adjusting at the same pace, eroding the purchasing power of the majority.

Moreover, this inflation has a perverse fiscal effect. Rising prices increase taxes such as VAT and can push workers into higher income tax brackets without a real improvement in income. The result is clear: people pay more but live worse. A dynamic that reveals the fracture between the real economy and the financial economy.

When the market stops serving society

The housing problem is not only social, it is structural. The current economic model operates as an extractive system that concentrates wealth through key assets, and housing is its clearest example. It generates recurring income, appreciates over time, and is essential for living. This combination makes it a perfect tool for extracting income from the population.

It is not a flaw in the system. It is the system working exactly as designed, reinforced by dynamics of crony capitalism, where relationships between political and economic power can favor large asset holders. Thus, the market ceases to respond to supply and demand logic and instead operates according to concentrated interests. The result is a system that perpetuates inequality and limits access to a fundamental right.

Catalonia clearly exemplifies this contradiction. The economy grows, tourism reaches record levels, and investment increases, yet poverty also rises. The economy grows, but not well-being. And this is not a contradiction: it is a consequence. Housing is the clearest reflection: as prices rise, more and more people are excluded or access it under precarious conditions.

Living inside an asset

The paradigm shift is radical. Before, we lived in homes; today, we live inside financial assets. This means that rent no longer pays only for a service, but feeds a return, often global and detached from the local territory. Here emerges the great paradox: the more housing values increase, the more the economic capacity of the society living in them weakens.

Faced with this scenario, public debate often remains superficial. There is talk of price regulation, subsidies, or social housing, but rarely is the root of the problem addressed. And the issue is not only social, but systemic: an economic model that turns basic needs into instruments of profitability and places profit above collective well-being. Without understanding this, any response will be incomplete.

What we are witnessing is a silent but constant transfer of wealth. From labor income to asset owners. From the middle class to large capital. Housing has become the main channel of this process, effectively redefining the social contract on which the stability of modern societies was built.

Understanding this shift is the first step toward regaining control. Only through financial education can we identify the mechanisms that affect us and make informed decisions. Because when housing becomes an asset, the right to live becomes a privilege.

Protecting savings with physical gold has been one of the main contributions of 11Onze to its community and, now, the range of products is expanding. Therefore, in the face of volatility, still high inflation and the growing crisis of confidence in the banking system, gold is once again strengthening as a safe-haven asset. Discover Seed Gold at Preciosos 11Onze.

We talk about anxiety, insomnia, and exhaustion. But we often ignore one of their main causes: economic insecurity.

When we think about mental health, we tend to look inward. Self-esteem, emotions, lifestyle. But there is an external, persistent, and silent factor that deeply shapes the well-being of millions of people: money. Or, more precisely, the lack of control over it.

Financial stress does not always make noise. It does not appear as a sudden crisis, but as a constant drip of worries that eventually affects the body, the mind, and personal relationships.

When Money Affects Health

Barely making it to the end of the month. Not understanding why the numbers do not add up. Living with the feeling that any unexpected expense could destabilize everything. This sustained tension generates chronic stress, one of the main risk factors for physical and mental health.

Various studies by the World Health Organization indicate that prolonged stress is linked to sleep disorders, cardiovascular problems, anxiety, and depression. When the source of stress is economic, the issue worsens: one cannot “switch off” from money. It is present every day.

Financial insecurity does not only impact the individual. It has a direct impact on relationships, parenting, social life, and even work performance. The mind is occupied. Concentration decreases. Emotional exhaustion accumulates.

Living in Survival Mode

When money is scarce or perceived as a constant threat, the brain enters survival mode. It prioritizes the short term. It reacts, but does not plan. And this has consequences.

Economic uncertainty often leads to:

• Debt to cover immediate needs. 
• Dependence on credit as a recurring solution. 
• Inaction out of fear of making mistakes. 
• Impulsive decisions made from distress.
  

This pattern is not a matter of lacking intelligence or responsibility. It is a human response to stress. But it is also a vicious cycle: decisions made from fear usually worsen the financial situation, which further increases stress.

When Fear Makes Decisions for Us

One of the most harmful effects of financial stress is that we delegate decisions to fear. We do not review numbers. We do not plan. Furthermore, we do not ask. We avoid checking the account or the bills because they cause anxiety.

This avoidance may bring temporary relief, but in the long term it worsens the problem. Lack of information fuels the feeling of loss of control. And loss of control is one of the main sources of anxiety.

According to data from the Bank of Spain, a significant portion of the population acknowledges not understanding the basic financial products they use. This knowledge gap is not only economic; it is emotional.

Financial Education as Preventive Care

This is where a key, often underestimated element comes into play: financial education. Not as a formula to get rich, but as a preventive health tool. Understanding how money works reduces anxiety. It does not eliminate risks, but it allows us to understand them, anticipate them, and manage them wisely. Knowledge does not guarantee certainty, but it does provide control. And control reduces stress.

Having a clear vision transforms the relationship with money. What was once a diffuse threat becomes a concrete, manageable, and plannable issue. Therefore, it is essential to understand basic concepts such as:

• Income and expenses 
• Debts and deadlines 
• Real saving capacity 
• Available options

Finances and Well-Being: An Inseparable Relationship

For years, the world of economics has been separated from the world of well-being. As if money were a cold, technical matter unrelated to emotional health. The reality is precisely the opposite.

Financial peace of mind does not depend on having a lot of money, but on feeling that one has control and sound judgment. There are people with high incomes who live in anxiety, and others with limited resources but clear management who sleep peacefully.

Taking care of finances is also taking care of the mind. Putting numbers in order is a way to reduce mental noise. To regain decision-making margin. To stop living in constant reaction mode.

The First Step Is Not to Earn More, but to Understand Better

Faced with financial stress, we often think the solution is to earn more money. And in some cases, it is. But many times, the first step is not increasing income, but better understanding what is happening with the money we already have.

Clarity reduces fear. Planning reduces uncertainty. And information transforms stress into action. It is not an immediate process. But it is deeply liberating.

Taking care of health also means taking care of finances. At La Plaça d’11Onze, we understand money as a tool at the service of life, not as a source of suffering. Because regaining economic control is not only a rational decision; it is an act of emotional well-being.

If you want to discover the best option to protect your savings, enter Preciosos 11Onze. We will help you buy at the best price the safe-haven asset par excellence: physical gold.

Every year, at the end of March and October, we move our clocks forward or backward with apparent normality. But behind this routine gesture lies a structural anomaly that directly impacts our health, our economy, and our way of life. Catalonia —and the entire Iberian Peninsula— lives in a time zone that does not correspond to it. And this is not harmless. The question is inevitable: why do we accept it… and who benefits?

Geographically, Catalonia is aligned with the Greenwich meridian. This means that, by natural position, it should follow the same time as Portugal or the United Kingdom (UTC+0 in winter). However, reality is different: we follow Central European Time (UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer), shared with cities such as Berlin or Paris.

This anomaly is not the result of chance, but of a political decision. In 1940, the Franco regime advanced the clock to align with Nazi Germany. What was meant to be a temporary adjustment became a structural legacy that, decades later, still conditions the way we live.

The consequences are evident: the sun rises and sets later than it should, our social schedules do not match our biological rhythms, and we end up living in a permanent misalignment. A seemingly small mismatch… with a profound impact on our daily lives.

The biological clock does not understand politics

Our body does not understand decrees or political decisions, as it functions according to circadian rhythms, a biological mechanism mainly regulated by sunlight. This internal clock determines when we feel sleepy, when we are alert, and when our body performs best.

When official time moves away from solar time, this balance is broken. We sleep less and worse, accumulated fatigue increases, and our ability to concentrate is affected. In the long term, this misalignment is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular problems.

Several chronobiology studies define this phenomenon as permanent “social jet lag”, comparable to living in a constant time shift. And here lies the great paradox: in a society obsessed with productivity, we are organizing time in a way that actually undermines it.

Low productivity, but long working hours

Spain is one of the European countries with the longest working hours, yet with below-average productivity. This is no coincidence. Time misalignment directly impacts performance: more fatigue means lower work capacity, more hours do not equal greater efficiency, and poorer rest leads to more sick leave.

To this scenario we must add an extended time culture —late lunches, late dinners, and prime-time slots that stretch well into the night— which amplifies the problem. The result is a model that prioritizes presence over actual performance.

At the same time, one of the main justifications for the time change —energy savings— has become obsolete. Several studies by the European Commission indicate that the impact is minimal, and even negative in some cases. Consumption patterns have changed: more climate control, more technology, and less dependence on natural light. We thus maintain a measure designed for a 20th-century industrial economy… in a 21st-century digital economy.

Who decides time?

This is where the debate becomes truly interesting. Time is not only a technical matter, but also a tool of social and economic control. Deciding official time ultimately means deciding when we work, when we consume, when we rest, and how we live. It is not a minor detail: it is an invisible architecture that structures our daily lives.

This reality fits into a broader logic: that of a system that prioritizes apparent economic efficiency over real well-being. As happens in financial, monetary, or fiscal domains, we often accept as normal structures that respond to political decisions and specific interests. Time, like money, is not neutral.

The debate about abolishing the time change has been on the table in the European Union for years, yet it remains stalled. Perhaps because the underlying question is deeper than it seems: what schedule do we want as a society? Do we want to live aligned with natural rhythms… or with market dynamics? Recovering a schedule consistent with our geography is not just a matter of comfort; it is about health, productivity, and quality of life.

Time is a resource. Perhaps the most valuable one we have. And managing it poorly has a cost that we pay every day, often without realizing it. At 11Onze, we believe that understanding these dynamics is the first step toward making more informed and freer decisions. Because only when we question what seems normal can we begin to regain control —of time, of money, and ultimately, of our lives.

11Onze is the community fintech of Catalonia. Open an account by downloading the app El Canut for Android or iOS and join the revolution!

The reasoning is both simple and powerful: the most important and profitable asset of any company is its employees. So what could be better than keeping the organisation’s most important asset in its natural state, where its full potential manifests itself?

However, this reasoning does not apply exclusively to the workplace. Its connotations are paramount, since all people are workers, at least potentially, whether in active work, post-work, academia, or any other situation. It is evident, then, that happiness transcends any of these reasoning, to go to the common denominator: the human being.

Scientific research into happiness

Talking about happiness is nothing new, Aristotle was already making profound dissertations in the 4th century B.C. However, in recent years, the concept of positive psychology, which is a current of psychology that studies the bases of psychological well-being and happiness, as well as human strengths and virtues, has gained momentum. It differs from other psychology currents and its historical precedents in that it is based on the scientific method. Psychologist Martin Seligman laid its foundations at the end of the 1990s, and other authors, such as Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, have added to it with their contributions.

At first glance, the purpose of positive psychology may sound too arrogant: ‘now science wants to tell us what happiness is? But there are many dissenting voices who believe that happiness goes far beyond the processing of a simple set of measurable values in the realm of psychology.

Debates aside, we all know, without needing to learn it, when we feel good and, above all, when we feel bad. It is innate. The fact is that our organism goes smoothly with wellbeing, while it starts to give warning signals when we experience discomfort.

What do the experts say?

Given that companies are above all groups of people, it may seem basic to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of workers at work. However, in the business logic linked to the Industrial Revolution (still very present everywhere), the general paradigm has been quite the opposite: to make them work to the maximum in order to obtain higher profits. A vision in which their personal well-being is far from the company’s concern.

Studies on the subject conclude that the experience of workers who feel at ease in their organisation is far more precious than even the material goods they may receive as gratification. This is because this experience has no shelf life; it can always be recalled and enjoyed again.

Employee happiness as a barometer of business health

So now it is no longer just about focusing on the famous customer experience (CX), but the employee experience also plays a key role in the success of the organisation. Both from the company’s point of view, because a happy, creative or empathetic employee is synonymous with a more productive worker, and from the worker’s point of view, because we spend almost a third of our lives at work.

A good sign of the consolidation of this trend is the emergence of several indices, such as the Global Workplace Happiness Index, which measure happiness in the workplace. Likewise, the figure known as Chief Happiness Officer or director of well-being is consolidating in those organisations that are committed to the value of people and the profitability of a happy employee.

What a strange mix and, at the same time, what a fruitful synergy when the focus of the organisation is on people!

At 11Onze we have believed in this fundamental value from the beginning, which is shared by all the people who make up our community. And it works!

If you want your business to take a big leap forward, use 11Onze Business. Our business and freelance account is now available, find out more!

Physical health is not an aesthetic matter or an aspirational luxury: it is a key economic asset. A fit body—strong, mobile and functional—reduces future expenses, increases autonomy and protects personal wealth. Exactly like a good financial decision. What today looks like time invested, tomorrow translates into freedom and room for manoeuvre.

We invest time and money to protect savings, but we often neglect the asset that supports everything: the body. Poor physical condition does not only take a toll on health; it also erodes income, multiplies expenses and limits opportunities. Being fit is a silent investment, not very visible in the short term, but decisive when the unexpected arrives.

Recurring sick leave, chronic fatigue, lower productivity and increasing use of medication are part of the invisible bill of a neglected body. Added to this are frequently avoidable conditions—lower back pain, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes—that end up becoming structural expense, both personal and public. According to the World Health Organization, a large part of chronic diseases is associated with modifiable lifestyle habits. In other words: not taking care of the body is taking on a mortgage of future expense that is paid in instalments, but with increasing interest.

The economic reading is clear. Physical energy conditions the capacity to work; mobility guarantees everyday autonomy; chronic pain, on the other hand, steals focus, time, and performance. A neglected body is an asset that depreciates quickly. A cared-for body, by contrast, maintains value over time, exactly like a well-managed investment.

Strength, autonomy, and future: the return of an active body

Muscle strength and mobility are, probably, the cheapest insurance that exists. Training the body is not an aesthetic or sporting matter, but profoundly preventive. Reducing the risk of falls, protecting joints, strengthening bones and preserving functional capacity is key, especially from the age of 40 or 50. In the case of women, maintaining strength is also an essential tool against osteoporosis and the loss of future autonomy.

Medical research is clear: it is not about doing sport, but about being able to live. Walking without pain, lifting everyday weights, maintaining balance and moving safely. Strength is not display; it is accumulated autonomy. Every muscle trained today is one less limitation tomorrow, an avoided expense and preserved freedom.

Dependence does not arrive all at once. It is built over the years, often silently. Passive ageing brings high family costs, loss of personal dignity and increasing pressure on public systems. By contrast, active ageing makes it possible to preserve autonomy, reduce healthcare spending and maintain quality of life. Eurostat data show accelerated ageing of the European population, while reports from the Bank of Spain warn about growing pressure on healthcare expenditure. Physical health, in this context, is also a collective good.

And all of this is not a matter of time or money, but of priorities. Being fit does not require a gym or large resources: everyday movement, basic strength and consistency. Walk more, sit less, train essential muscles. From 11Onze’s perspective, the logic is the same as with saving: it does not have to be perfect; it has to be sustained. Consistency, not heroism, is what generates return… also when we talk about the body.

The body is also wealth

The body is also wealth. Taking care of it is one of the most profitable decisions that can be made over a lifetime. It is not listed on the stock market, and it does not generate headlines, but it conditions all other investments: the time we can dedicate, the money we can earn or save, the freedom to decide and the quality of life we can sustain over the years.

Just like savings, the body needs attention, judgement, and consistency. It does not accept miraculous solutions or immediate returns, but it responds reliably to sustained decisions. Because, in the end, it is the personal capital that supports everything: without health, no other wealth is fully usable.

If you want to discover fair insurance for your home and for society, check 11Onze Segurs.

Even though financial literacy is a necessary skill that is essential for our daily lives, only one in three adult European citizens have minimal financial literacy. We explain which steps you can take to optimise your finances.

Having finances under control, i.e. financial well-being is essential for our peace of mind and a basic pillar for achieving our personal goals. Knowing the basics of home economics and personal finance will help you to optimise your money and be more efficient with your spending.

Set financial goals

Clearly define your short, medium and long-term financial objectives, setting realistic and achievable goals. Whether you want to save for an emergency, buy a house or pay for your children’s education, breaking down your financial goals into smaller, achievable steps will allow you to celebrate achievements as you go along.

Create a budget

Write down how much money you earn each month and how much you spend in an Excel spreadsheet, diary or personal finance application to create a budget tailored to your situation. This budget should include income such as wages, investments, state benefits and fixed expenses such as rent/mortgage, credit, food and other non-essential expenses such as eating out, holidays and savings.

Pay bills on time

Ensure you are up-to-date with your bill payments by setting up a direct debit, i.e., authorising your bank to automatically debit your current account regularly and recurrently for the services you use: water, electricity, gas, mobile phone, etc. You can also use bill payment applications and set up payment reminders by email or SMS.

Prioritise debt repayment

Less debt means more funds available for unforeseen expenses and more emotional well-being. Prioritise repayment of debts with higher interest rates, and consider possible debt consolidation to reduce interest.

Save regularly

Establish an automatic savings routine with a reverse budgeting strategy, which involves choosing a savings goal, such as paying for school fees, deciding how much you want to contribute each month and setting this amount aside before spreading out the rest of your expenses. Of course, you don’t have to set a goal, but having a purpose can always motivate you to make the effort if none other than for an emergency fund.

11Onze is always by your side

Empowering citizens through financial education has been at the heart of 11Onze since its inception. Expanding our community’s knowledge of economics and finance, making all the necessary tools available to them, is one of the founding pillars of the first community fintech in Catalonia.

Since the launch of 11Onze Escola, a project that offers training sessions on the world of fintech so that schools, companies and professional associations throughout the country can teach their students the basics of economics and financial matters, we have a unique platform that complements the school curriculum by educating young people in monetary matters and provides them with tools for the creation of wealth.

With the same purpose of training our community, we promote the lessons in the Learning section, which offers content such as the series El Diner, the Formacions 11Onze made by the employees themselves or our short Courses. In addition, in the Descobreix section of 11Onze TV you will also find pieces by our agents on topics of interest for our day-to-day work. Because from the very beginning it was clear to us that without a good financial education, we will hardly be a free society that can decide its future.

If you want to discover the best option to protect your savings, go to Preciosos 11Onze. We will help you buy at the best price the ultimate safe-haven asset: physical gold.

Amb l’entrada d’any, tots ens proposem assolir algunes fites personals. I, possiblement, el propòsit que suma més adeptes és el de fer exercici. Ara, un estudi de la Universitat de Boston demostra que l’entrenament intens i breu pot millorar la forma física molt més que els exercicis suaus, com caminar 10.000 passes al dia. T’ho expliquem!

Ens passem el dia davant de la pantalla, a l’oficina o teletreballant, i sovint és un miracle si aconseguim arrencar-li al dia una mitja horeta per fer esport. Aquests 30 minuts, però, poden ser la clau per compensar les vuit hores de treball. Els investigadors de la facultat de Medicina de la Universitat de Boston, liderats pel doctor Matthew Nayor, han analitzat l’esforç de més de 2.000 persones i han conclòs que l’exercici és saludable sempre, és clar, però si s’entrena fort i breu s’obté un resultat millor.

“Hem constatat que, en la millora del cos, l’activitat intensa, però amb menys temps d’esforç, és més eficient que caminar”. El doctor Nayor, que també exerceix com a cardiòleg al Centre Mèdic de Boston, el principal hospital universitari de la ciutat, assegura en un article al World Economic Forum, que “l’efecte negatiu que té el sedentarisme en la forma física pot compensar-se amb nivells molt alts d’activitat”.

A partir de l’estudi, publicat al ‘European Heart Journal’, els investigadors també van descobrir que, curiosament, els valors alts d’activitat i els valors baixos, ambdós realitzats amb vuit anys de diferència, tenen nivells equivalents en l’aptitud física. “Això fa pensar que pot haver-hi un efecte memòria”, afirma Nayor. Sense dissuadir les persones de complir amb les 10.000 passes diàries, els científics demostren que l’esforç intens és tres vegades més eficient que només caminar.

La fita: 75 minuts setmanals d’exercici intens

Així, en una taula d’exercicis, els investigadors consideren que un exercici de nivell baix com caminar és fer entre 60 i 99 passes per minut, un nivell moderat és fer entre 100 i 129 passos per minut i un nivell intens és fer més de 130 passes per minut.

Amb aquesta classificació, els investigadors recomanen o bé dedicar entre 150 i 300 minuts setmanals a fer un exercici moderat o bé invertir entre 75 i 150 minuts a la setmana a fer exercici intens, és a dir, exercitar-nos entre 25 i 50 minuts tres dies a la setmana. Amb qualsevol de les dues rutines, obtindrem els mateixos resultats físics. Així que, endavant amb els propòsits d’any nou!

11Onze és la fintech comunitària de Catalunya. Obre un compte descarregant la super app El Canut per Android o iOS. Uneix-te a la revolució!

We love Christmas… until it runs us over. Meals that never end, impossible schedules, obligatory shopping and an unforgiving ambient pressure. Every year we promise to live it “calmly”, but we end up trapped in the same cycle. The question is simple: how can we enjoy the holidays without ending up exhausted, broke or emotionally overwhelmed?

Christmas arrives each year wrapped in a postcard of perfection with flawless tables, idyllic families and a happiness that seems mandatory. But reality goes elsewhere. The holidays concentrate family, social and economic pressures in just a few days, and everyone tries to keep up while the pace accelerates. We move from one meal to another, from one visit to a gathering, often without time even to breathe. Saying no is not perceived as acceptable, and this leads us to chain obligations that leave us exhausted.

These demands clash with the permanent mirage of social media, where everything appears bright, perfect, and pleasant. But if your family is complicated, if there are tensions, or you carry emotional fatigue, that shop window can make you feel that your Christmas experience is “not good enough”. Expectations multiply and reality, frequently imperfect, weighs heavily. When days pass between rushing, impossible schedules and conversations we would rather avoid, emotional strain becomes inevitable.

Saturation usually arrives quietly. It shows up as insomnia, irritability, digestive problems or the feeling of operating on autopilot. These are clear warnings that must not be ignored, because the body is asking for a pause. And here we must remember the essential idea that Christmas is not something to survive, but something to live. Setting boundaries, adjusting expectations and accepting that there is no such thing as a perfect Christmas is what truly allows us to enjoy the holidays in a healthier, more human way.

Mindful eating tips

Eating well during the holidays doesn’t mean giving anything up, but knowing how to balance. The issue is not Christmas lunch itself, but turning every gathering, every “sobremesa” and every appetizer into a full banquet. This is why serving yourself small portions and repeating only if you are genuinely hungry is a simple strategy that saves hundreds of calories without sacrificing pleasure. Eating consciously rather than out of obligation is the first key to a lighter Christmas.

Another fundamental pillar is taking care of what we often forget: hydration and rest. Alcohol dehydrates, disrupts sleep and intensifies accumulated fatigue, so alternating each drink with a glass of water makes a real difference the next day. Sleeping seven to eight hours is a reliable protector that regulates digestion, improves mood and prevents excesses from turning into prolonged discomfort. When the body rests, the mind rests too. 

Finally, small daily habits can transform the way we live the holidays. A walk after a heavy meal speeds up digestion and activates the body; avoiding hidden sugars in prepared sauces, soft drinks and industrial pastries reduces excess calories without us noticing; and balancing a very heavy day with vegetables, soups, or fruit helps recover your natural rhythm. The body also celebrates Christmas, but it doesn’t need a permanent gastronomic festival to do so.

Emotional wellbeing to survive the holidays

Christmas is, paradoxically, a moment when mental health often takes a back seat. Everyone wants the holidays to go well, for harmony to prevail, for tensions not to appear and for excitement not to break. But this pressure can override what we truly feel. Uncomfortable emotions—sadness, fatigue, stress—are swept under the rug because “they don’t fit”, and this only intensifies discomfort.

This is why it is essential to reclaim the right to say “no”. There is no need for long explanations or elaborate justifications, since a simple “I need to rest” or “this year I prefer a quieter Christmas” should be enough. Setting boundaries is a form of self-care and at the same time a way to prevent conflict in complicated family gatherings. Adjusting schedules, choosing neutral spaces or agreeing on forbidden topics—such as politics or personal issues—can turn a tense meal into a bearable encounter.

There are also those who experience Christmas with loneliness, a feeling that postcards, advertising and social networks tend to amplify. Dismantling the idea of the “perfect Christmas” is deeply liberating, because you don’t need to be radiant or have a calendar full of events. Simple activities like volunteering, going to the cinema, spending time reading or meeting someone who shares the same calm can turn the holidays into a gentle space. Christmas is not a competition of joy; it is an opportunity to support ourselves, take care of ourselves and give ourselves permission to be human.

Responsible consumption: the key to a healthier Christmas (also mentally)

Christmas consumption not only affects your wallet, but also shapes your self-esteem and how you interpret the holidays. The pressure to get gifts right, to buy more than necessary or to live up to an advertising ideal can turn an affectionate gesture into a source of tension. Reducing the number of gifts or agreeing to clear limits is a way to free up time, money and, above all, the feeling of never keeping up.

By breaking the cycle of impulsive consumption, Christmas becomes more breathable. Buying “because you have to”, “because the other expects it” or “to avoid looking bad” generates anxiety and guilt, and often leaves us with a feeling of emptiness once the holidays are over. Deciding in advance what we want to give and what budget we have is a powerful tool for avoiding rushed purchases. This way, the gift recovers its original meaning: a gesture, not an obligation. Consumption returns to serving people, not the other way around.

The alternatives are many and often more meaningful. A shared meal, a hike, or an activity creates more lasting memories than an object. Offering time—caring for children, helping with a move, preparing a meal—is an emotionally powerful gift. And handmade or personalized details carry meaning without the need to overspend. Moderate consumption is also more conscious consumption, and this awareness is the foundation of a healthier, simpler and much kinder Christmas. 

For this reason, enjoying Christmas does not depend on what you buy, but on what you experience. Rest, boundaries, balanced eating and responsible consumption are not concessions but ways to protect physical, emotional and financial health during one of the most intense times of the year. When you take care of your rhythm, Christmas stops pushing you and starts accompanying you. That’s when you can truly celebrate it.

11Onze is the community fintech of Catalonia. Open an account by downloading the app El Canut for Android or iOS and join the revolution!

Precarity is not an accident of the system — it is its new structure. It connects us all through uncertainty, dependence, and debt. And only by understanding this can we break the circle and regain sovereignty over our lives.

Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman captured the essence of our time like few others. What he called liquid modernity is now a tangible reality: everything that was once solid —work, relationships, economic security— has become fragile and fleeting. The worker who could plan a life, take out a mortgage, or raise children with some peace of mind has been replaced by an individual juggling temporary jobs, subsidies, and debts. This instability is not only economic: it is emotional, psychological, and civic. A citizen who lives in fear is easier to govern, but also far less free.

Insecurity as a Tool of Control

Crises —financial, health, energy, climate— have become constant. Uncertainty is no longer an exception but a structural condition. Each new wave of difficulties justifies another “temporary” package of measures that, over time, become permanent. Meanwhile, the population grows accustomed to living on the edge: wages that fail to cover the cost of living, inflation that erodes savings, rents that consume salaries, and ever-rising taxes that suffocate the middle classes.

This widespread precarity breeds dependence. Governments manage it through subsidies and one-off aids, while banks and major corporations offer easy credit to sustain consumption. It’s a vicious circle that turns social rights into favours and the worker into a perpetual debtor. The fear of losing one’s income or home becomes a powerful instrument of submission.

The result is a society obsessed with the next economic rebound or inflation index, confusing mere survival with progress. As Bauman warned, “freedom without security is a sentence, but security without freedom is an invisible prison.”

From Stable Work to Fragile Work

In just a few years, the concept of employment has changed radically. Flexibility —a seemingly positive word— has become synonymous with temporariness, outsourcing, and insecurity. Short-term contracts and part-time jobs have become the norm to the point that they no longer surprise anyone. Meanwhile, a permanent contract or a 40-hour week seems almost a privilege.

According to Spain’s INE, over 25% of young workers hold temporary contracts. In Catalonia, the real average salary has lost more than 7% of its purchasing power in the past five years, while housing costs have risen by 30%.  The gap between wages and prices is now structural: having a job no longer guarantees a dignified life.

This fragmented labour model creates a permanently available and easily replaceable population. The worker cannot plan for the future or accumulate assets. When work ceases to provide stability and becomes a daily struggle for survival, the social contract breaks down.

Labour precarity is also civic precarity. A citizen without a horizon does not participate, protest, or demand — they simply survive. And that is perhaps the system’s new victory: transforming the worker into an obedient and exhausted consumer.

The Loss of Freedom and the Need for Economic Sovereignty

Economic insecurity silently erodes freedom. When everything depends on the month’s salary or a granted loan, personal autonomy fades away.  We live in societies that appear free, yet are subjected to subtle forms of control: debt, technological dependence, and constant misinformation. 

The challenge is to rebuild sovereignty. At the collective level, this means regaining control over basic resources —energy, housing, finance— and promoting resilient local economies.  At the individual level, it means relearning self-management habits: saving, investing wisely, avoiding unnecessary debt, and embracing financial education as a tool for liberation.

Economic education is the key to transforming fear into power. When we understand how the system works, we no longer submit blindly to it. At 11Onze, we’ve long defended this idea: saving is sovereignty, information is freedom, and community is strength.

The path toward a less precarious society does not depend on waiting for external solutions but on building security from below —through cooperation and awareness. Perhaps Bauman was right: precarity is the new social bond. But there’s still time to turn that bond into a network of solidarity, not submission.

11Onze is the community fintech of Catalonia. Open an account by downloading the app El Canut for Android or iOS and join the revolution!