People say that good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings. While acquiring good sense takes time and experience, you can make an investment in good health today! What comes to mind when you think of living a healthy lifestyle? A good diet? Exercise? Routine visits to the doctor? The answer is, yes. All of these things factor into living your best life and investing in your health. But aside from maintaining a healthy weight, feeling good, and staying free from disease and illness, what are some other reasons to invest in your health? If you’re unsure, keep reading!
1. More Time with Family
Many people consider family the most important thing — above all else. More important than money or success. But if you want more time to spend with your family, you need to take care of yourself. The average life expectancy in the United States is 78.7 years old. If you want to beat the odds, you need to take care of yourself. Eating vegetables with dinner and taking the stairs at work once a week isn’t enough (though it’s a good start). Investing in your health means adopting a healthy lifestyle, not just tweaking a few things and hoping for a big change. If you’re a smoker, work on quitting. Limit alcohol consumption to once a week or just during social occasions. All of these things increase your chances for seeing your grandchildren graduate, get married, and you becoming a great grandparent!
Another thing to consider is even if you outlive the national average, what will your quality of life look like? If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness or chronic condition that compromises your ability to get around or leaves you in constant pain, you won’t be able to enjoy the years you have left. Things like arthritis, COPD, diabetes, and all types of cancer will impact your health in various ways, while getting in the way of you living life to the fullest. You want your children, friends, and other family members to see you at your best. Age gracefully by investing in your health.
2. The Ability to Work and Travel
Maybe you don’t have a large family or decided not to have kids. Are you married to your work? Do you enjoy packing up and going out on a whim? If you want to continue your carefree lifestyle, you need to be in good health. The average adult retires at the age of 61. Benefits generally don’t kick in until the age of 66, while early retirement benefits might be available as early as age 62. But many other working adults decide to stay at their jobs long after retirement age. This is due to several different reasons including financial need, comfort, and fear of change or boredom. Without a large family or spouse, some older adults continue working to feel useful and keep busy. Others retire to simply capitalize on their ability to come and go as they please. Travel is a favorite past time of most retirees. But remember, if you’re not well enough to drive or fly, you’ll have a difficult time seeing and experiencing all of life’s greatest adventures. Have you always wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower or see the Northern Lights? Invest in your health now so that you’re well enough to see and do all the things you’ve worked so hard for.
3. Reduced Medical Costs
Medical insurance is a major cost and concern for many Americans. And the cost just keeps rising. Most adults have a general practitioner along with several other doctors and specialists, based on their medical condition and need. This website offers a comprehensive breakdown of the types of doctors and professionals available to treat every condition. But these services are far from free. The good news is, when you invest in your health, it means less complications, less doctor visits, and much lower health insurance costs. Not only can you avoid paying for costly prescriptions or out-of-pocket fees, but you’ll find yourself in a lower price bracket when it comes time to purchase both health and life insurance. It makes good sense that insurance companies don’t want to invest in someone with poor health. Make yourself an attractive candidate by investing in your own personal health. This means kicking that smoking habit, dropping those few extra pounds, and staying active. All of these things will work in your favor when it comes time for paying off your medical bills. And, of course, there’s less hassle and less cost when you stay out of the doctor’s office all together!
4. Self-Confidence and Well-Being
Look good, feel good. It’s a quirky phrase that people use flippantly, but it’s partially true! Did you know that one of the most common side-effects of depression is a sense of hopelessness? When you don’t feel good about yourself, it’s a slippery slope into depression. Chronic pain is another cause of depression and is experienced by many people in poor health. Whether it’s due to injury or carelessness, living with chronic pain (in some cases) is preventable. When you take of yourself, you simply feel better. Exercising releases endorphins, which are feel good chemicals in the brain responsible for feelings of happiness and relaxation. It helps reduce stress, which means less strain on your heart and lower blood pressure. Eating a well-balanced diet carries a long list of benefits – from proper nutrition to increased energy and lower risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. When you take care of yourself, it helps boost your confidence as well. Not only because you’ll be wearing a smile and carrying your head high, but you’ll feel accomplished. Confidence is an extremely attractive quality and one that will help you seize every opportunity life throws your way — at any age!
Investing in your health is about more than just staying physically healthy. It’s about your mental well-being and your ability to enjoy every day to the fullest.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
