Why Your Health is Your Greatest Investment
I like to think of myself as an optimist. Over the past 35+ years, I’ve had my fair share of hardships, but who hasn’t, right?
Recently, I finished reading The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. On the surface, it’s a book about becoming rich — but what really surprised me was how much it focuses on living a rich life beyond money. One major takeaway that stuck with me was Naval’s emphasis on health. He argues that true wealth starts with taking care of your body and mind.
That insight hit home for me. As an ICU nurse, I see firsthand how disease and infection can take hold of someone’s life, often leading to devastating outcomes. What’s difficult to witness is that many of these conditions are preventable — or at least manageable — if there were more focus on preventive care.
I’m not blaming any one person or institution here. My point is simply this: neglecting your health is one of the costliest investments you can make.
Let’s take diet, for example. Who doesn’t love food? Food is joy — and often, the foods that taste best aren’t necessarily the best for us. The real problem isn’t the food itself; it’s our relationship with food. Combine overeating with a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, and chronic stress, and it’s no surprise that obesity rates are climbing.
Now, you might say, “What’s the harm in a few extra pounds?” Maybe nothing — at first. But over time, being overweight increases your risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. I often hear people say, “I’ve eaten this way all my life and I’m fine.” And sure, that may be true — until it’s not.
Your risk of disease increases with age, and factors like family history play a role too. So why take that risk when you can invest in yourself instead? Why not make small changes — like choosing foods that keep you fuller longer, picking up a hobby that keeps you active, or simply adopting the mindset: I am worth investing in.
My goal with this blog (and the business I’m building) is to shift the conversation toward preventive care — to help people realize that health isn’t just one aspect of life; it’s the foundation for everything else.
This Week’s Actionable Tips
1) Sprint (or walk really fast) for 5–10 seconds.
When was the last time you just ran? Unless you’re an athlete or running from danger, probably not in years — and that’s okay! This week, challenge yourself to run for just a few seconds. Feel your body move, like when you were a kid. If you have children, watch how naturally they run and play. Movement is one of the simplest ways to reconnect with your health — and your joy.
2) Identify (and reflect on) the most toxic part of your life.
Don’t try to change it yet — just think about it. What would your life look like without that toxic habit or behavior? Maybe it’s smoking, drinking, overspending, or avoiding exercise. Consider how it affects your mood, your relationships, and your finances. Reflect on how it started and what it’s costing you.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to take the next step — and I’ll be right there with you, working on one of my own habits that I know has been holding me back. Like many people, I’ve noticed how easy it is to fall into patterns of instant gratification that don’t truly serve my well-being. So this week, I’m challenging myself to make a change too.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. There’s so much content online, and I don’t take it lightly that you chose to spend time here.
And if you’re struggling, please don’t go through it alone. Reach out to someone — even if it’s the national helpline at 988. Sometimes it’s tempting to retreat inward, but healing often starts by reaching outward.
Remember: without your health, everything else becomes harder. Take care of yourself.