Health Equals Wealth (Not the Other Way Around)

Last updated on August 9, 2023

You see, most people think of wealth as being all about money.

But the truth is, wealth is so much more than that.

It’s about having the freedom to:

  • Live the life you want
  • Do the things you love
  • And be the person you want to be

And the key to achieving that kind of wealth is by taking care of your health.

“But wait, how does my health have anything to do with my wealth?”

Well, let me ask you this:

How much money do you spend on healthcare each year?

How many days of work do you miss because you’re feeling sick or rundown?

How much money do you spend on bad habits like smoking or drinking?

And how are your energy levels when your health is not at its greatest?

All of these things can have a huge impact on your wealth.

When you’re healthy, you spend less money on healthcare and you’re more productive at work.

When you’re healthy, you don’t waste your money on bad habits.

When you’re healthy, you have the energy and drive to make more money and achieve your financial goals (hence health equals wealth).

And that’s why today I’m gonna talk about:

  • How to take care of your health (so that you can take care of your wealth)
  • The importance of nutrition and exercise (and their link with wealth)
  • The benefits of mindfulness and self-care
  • And the secrets to setting and achieving your financial and health goals

So, whether you’re just getting started on your journey to wealth or you’re well on your way, I invite you to read on and discover how to achieve the ultimate wealth β€” a healthy and fulfilling life.

Let’s begin.


β“΅ The link between physical health and productivity

It’s no secret that taking care of our physical health is important.

But did you know that it can also have a direct impact on our productivity and ability to earn wealth?

Studies have shown that individuals who engage in regular physical activity have increased energy levels and are able to focus better throughout the day. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found that regular exercise can increase productivity by as much as 15%.

So, how can we maintain good physical health?

Here are 4 tips:

Make exercise a regular part of your routine: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or even just going for a walk.

Pay attention to your diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help to provide your body with the necessary nutrients to function at its best.

Get enough sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to ensure that your body has time to repair and rejuvenate.

Take care of your body: This includes things like stretching before and after exercise, using proper posture, and taking regular breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.

By incorporating these simple tips into your daily live, you can improve your physical health and increase your productivity, ultimately leading to increased wealth potential.


β“Ά The link between mental health and financial decision making

Just as our physical health can impact our productivity and earning potential, our mental health can also have a significant impact on our financial decision making. Studies have shown that individuals who have good mental health are more likely to make sound financial decisions and are better able to handle stress and uncertainty.

So, how can you maintain a good mental health?

Here are 4 tips:

  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and journaling can help to reduce stress and improve focus.
  • Take care of your emotional well-being: This includes things like managing stress, setting boundaries, and identifying and addressing negative emotions.
  • Connect with others: Strong social connections can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation.
  • Seek professional help if necessary: If you’re struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor for help.
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By prioritizing your mental health, you can improve your ability to make sound financial decisions and handle stress and uncertainty. This can ultimately lead to improved financial outcomes. But it takes time (just like everything else).


β“· The cost of unhealthy habits

We’ve all heard about the negative impact that habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and unhealthy eating can have on our physical health.

But did you know that these habits can also have a significant impact on our wealth in the long run?

These unhealthy habits not only increase our risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. But they can also lead to decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, and even loss of income.

So, how can you break these bad habits?

Here are 4 tips:

  • Set realistic goals: Start by setting a goal to reduce the frequency or amount of your unhealthy habit, rather than trying to quit cold turkey.
  • Find a replacement: Instead of focusing on what you’re giving up, find a healthier alternative to replace the habit. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, try using nicotine gum or patches.
  • Get support: Whether it’s from friends, family, or a support group, having people to lean on can make the process of breaking a bad habit much easier.
  • Be kind to yourself: Remember that breaking a bad habit is a process, and it’s okay to slip up or have setbacks.

By breaking bad habits, you can not only improve your physical health. But also improve your wealth potential. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself. And to take it one step at a time.


β“Έ The financial benefits of preventative care

Investing in preventative care and regular checkups may seem like an added expense in the short term. But in the long run, it can save us money by preventing more serious health issues.

Regular checkups can help identify potential health problems early on, when they’re often easier and less expensive to treat.

Preventative care also includes things like screenings, and counseling, which can help prevent serious diseases and illnesses.

So, how can you make sure you’re taking advantage of preventative care?

Here are 4 tips:

Know your insurance coverage: Understand what preventative care services your insurance covers, and make sure you’re taking advantage of them.

Schedule regular checkups: Make sure you’re scheduling regular checkups with your primary care physician, dentist, and any other specialists you may need.

Take advantage of screenings: Get screened for things like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Stay up to date on medical advancements: Make sure you’re getting the most proven meds for your condition, age, and health status.


β“Ή The link between stress and financial success

Stress is a normal part of life. But when left unmanaged, it can have a negative impact on our financial success.

Stress can lead to poor decision making, decreased productivity, and a host of health problems. By managing stress, we can improve our financial outcomes.

So, how can you better manage stress?

Here are 5 tips:

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Get regular exercise: Exercise has been shown to be an effective stress reliever and can help improve overall health and well-being.

Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing stress and can help improve overall health and productivity.

Make time for hobbies: Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring us joy can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Seek support: Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can help us process and manage stress.

Managing stress is an important step in maintaining your physical and financial well-being.

By preventing stress-related health issues, you can make better financial decisions. Increase productivity. And ultimately improve your chances of reaching financial success.


β“Ί Nutrition and fitness

When it comes to health and wealth, nutrition and fitness play a crucial role. Not only do they impact our physical well-being, but they also have a direct impact on our cognitive function, productivity, and overall financial success.

❖ Eat well

The link between nutrition and cognitive function is well-established. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins has been shown to improve brain function and cognitive performance.

On the other hand, a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, also have a major impact on our wealth. These conditions not only require costly treatments, but they can also lead to lost productivity and income.

I’m not a health expert so I’ll just share my personal experience. It doesn’t matter which diet you follow. You can be a vegetarian, pescetarian, or carnivore. And still make things work for you.

We are all different so there are some basics (protein, carbs, fat) that we all need to follow. But you can adjust your diet to suit your needs.

For example, I have a chronic condition that doesn’t make my gut happy when I consume starch. So I stay away from it. Sugar also makes me feel weird. Caffeine too. Just because I stay away from these, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have it once in a while and still be healthy.

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I also skip breakfast ever since I can remember. I just don’t want (or need) it. A banana is more than fine if I feel hungry.

monkey eating a banana
Photo by AudronΔ— LocaitytΔ— on Unsplash

I have a sedentary lifestyle too (in front of a desk for 8 hours straight). You might be working in construction so your requirements might be different. Nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all thing.

Just keep things simple. If it works (for you) then that’s all that matters. A blood test can verify any concerns you might have about your diet. And it’s a good idea to keep your health checks in check.

❖ Exercise often

By maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, we can reduce our risk of chronic diseases and ultimately save money in the long run.

Meal planning and prepping are important tools for maintaining a healthy diet. By taking the time to plan out meals and snacks in advance, we can ensure that we have healthy options on hand at all times.

This can help us avoid the temptation to reach for unhealthy options when we’re short on time or feeling too busy to cook.

In my personal experience, following a progressive overload regime is the best for beginners (less than a year under your belt). Something simple like Stronglifts or Starting Strength.

Once you can squat 1.5x your weight for reps you can advance into a periodization program like Madcow, Texas Method, 5/3/1, or even one of Candito’s free programs.

You can learn a lot by Mark Rippetoe, Brandon Lilly, and Chad Wesley (just to name a few off the top of my head).

Just keep things simple. No matter what you read, exercise shouldn’t be that difficult to follow (for beginners especially). The only program that works is the one you stick to. Never forget that.

Just track your progress, monitor your nutrition, and you’ll start to feel great in no time.

❖ Stay hydrated

Hydration is also important for overall health and well-being. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help to improve energy levels, focus, and cognitive function. It is also essential for maintaining good physical health and can help to prevent chronic diseases.

I hear a lot of people say that they don’t like the taste of water. Personally I can’t go without water. I skip breakfast but water consumption is crucial otherwise I feel off.

You can drink tea, coffee, no sugar drinks, or anything you like as long as you consume enough liquids. Stay off the sugary ones (unnecessary calories).

❖ Get enough sleep

The role of sleep and stress management in overall health and well-being cannot be overstated. Getting enough sleep, and managing stress through techniques such as meditation and yoga, can help to improve our mental and physical health, and ultimately lead to better financial outcomes.

❖ Track your progress

Setting fitness goals and tracking progress is important for staying motivated and on track. Whether it’s a goal to run a certain distance, lift a certain weight, or simply to walk more steps each day, having a goal in mind can help to keep us motivated and focused.

Different approaches to getting active and staying strong include yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, running, swimming and cycling. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick to.

Proper nutrition is essential for physical fitness. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to improve energy levels and support muscle recovery after exercise.


β“» Best 10 FAQ on health and wealth

❖ What are the most common bad habits that can impact our wealth?

Common bad habits that can impact our wealth include smoking, excessive drinking, gambling, overspending, and not saving enough for retirement. These habits can lead to increased healthcare costs, lost income from missed work, and a lack of savings for the future.

❖ How can we break free from bad habits and improve our financial situation?

Breaking free from bad habits can be challenging, but it is possible. One way to do this is to set specific, measurable goals for yourself. Such as quitting smoking or cutting back on alcohol consumption.

Another way is to find healthy alternatives to bad habits. For example, replacing smoking with exercise or replacing gambling with a hobby. It’s also important to have a support system in place, such as friends, family, or a therapist, to help you stay on track.

❖ What are the long-term benefits of taking care of our health?

The long-term benefits of taking care of our health include lower healthcare costs, increased productivity, and the ability to work and earn a living for longer. Additionally, good health can also lead to a better quality of life, improved relationships, and overall well-being.

❖ How can we make healthy habits a part of our daily routine?

Making healthy habits a part of our daily routine takes time and effort. One way to do this is to start small and make small changes. Such as taking a short walk after dinner or packing a healthy lunch for work.

Another way is to make healthy habits a part of our daily routine is to schedule time for them. Such as setting aside 30 minutes every morning for exercise or 30 minutes every evening for meditation.

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❖ How can we reduce healthcare costs and improve our financial situation?

There are several ways to reduce healthcare costs and improve our financial situation. One way is to invest in preventative care (such as regular check-ups and screenings).

Another way is to take care of our health by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Additionally, shopping around for healthcare services and comparing prices can also help to reduce costs.

❖ How can we maintain good physical and mental health while working towards financial success?

Maintaining good physical and mental health while working towards financial success requires a balance of work and leisure time, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

It’s important to set boundaries and make time for self-care, such as getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and taking breaks when needed.

Additionally, it’s important to have a support system in place, such as friends and family, to help us through the stress of working towards financial success.

Setting realistic goals and learning to prioritize our physical and mental well-being can also help in maintaining good health while working towards financial success.

It’s also important to seek professional help (if needed). Such as a therapist or counselor, to help us manage stress and maintain good mental health.

❖ How can we balance work and taking care of our health?

Balancing work and taking care of your health can be challenging. But it is possible. One way to do this is to set specific, measurable goals for both your work and health. And to make a plan to achieve them.

Another way is to prioritize your well-being and make sure to take breaks throughout the day for exercise, healthy meals, and self-care. It’s also important to set boundaries, such as not checking work emails outside of work hours, to ensure that you are not sacrificing your health for work.

❖ How can we prepare for the future and ensure that we have enough money to cover our healthcare needs?

Preparing for the future and ensuring that you have enough money to cover your healthcare needs is important. One way to do this is to set specific, measurable financial goals, such as saving a certain amount of money each month for healthcare expenses.

Another way is to invest in a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) to set aside money for healthcare expenses. It’s also important to research and compare healthcare options (such as private insurance or Medicare) to ensure that you have the coverage you need.

❖ How can we make sure that we are saving enough for our retirement years?

Making sure that you are saving enough for your retirement years is important. One way to do this is to set specific, measurable financial goals, such as saving a certain percentage of your income each month for retirement.

Another way is to invest in a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or an IRA, to set aside money for your retirement years. It’s also important to consult with a financial advisor to ensure that you are on track to reach your retirement goals.

❖ How can we invest in our health today to ensure a better financial future?

Investing in your health today can ensure a better financial future. One way to do this is to prioritize your well-being and make small changes to your diet and exercise routine.

Another way is to invest in preventative healthcare, such as regular check-ups and screenings, to catch and treat potential health issues early on. It’s also important to research and compare healthcare options, such as private insurance or Medicare, to ensure that you have the coverage you need.


β“Ό Top 7 quotes on health and wealth

“The greatest wealth is health.”

β€” Virgil

“Health is not valued till sickness comes.”

β€” Thomas Fuller

“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”

β€” Henry David Thoreau

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

β€” Benjamin Franklin

“Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.”

β€” Publilius Syrus

“Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one.”

β€” Astrid Alauda

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

β€” Buddha

β“½ Top 7 books on health and wealth

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change” by Stephen Covey

This book is a classic self-help book that teaches readers how to develop good habits and break bad ones. It focuses on the importance of being proactive and taking ownership of one’s life to achieve success.

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

This book is a personal finance classic that teaches readers the importance of financial education and how to think differently about money. It provides insights into how to build wealth and achieve financial freedom.

“The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle

This book is a spiritual guide that teaches readers how to live in the present moment and find inner peace. It emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in achieving success and happiness.

“Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder” by Arianna Huffington

This book is a guide to redefining success and creating a life of well-being, wisdom, and wonder. Arianna Huffington, the founder of The Huffington Post, shares her personal journey and the lessons she’s learned on the road to creating a more meaningful life, and how to balance work and life.

“The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss

This book is a guide to achieving financial freedom and living a life of adventure and freedom. It provides practical tips and strategies for automating one’s income, outsourcing work, and living a location-independent lifestyle.


Final thoughts

Personally, when my health is out of whack, everything feels wrong.

And I don’t mean when I’m sick (necessarily).

If I eat something that doesn’t agree with my stomach. If I skip the gym. Or even if I watch too much TV. Then my body doesn’t like it. And I don’t have the energy to carry out tasks.

This creates a non-optimal environment for achieving goals (no matter how big or small).

And this is why I strongly believe that not only health comes before wealth but, without health, wealth is not feasible.

And don’t forget: health and time are our greatest assets. So protect your health. And invest your time wisely.


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Pavlos Written by:

Hey β€” It’s Pavlos. Just another human sharing my thoughts on all things money. Nothing more, nothing less.