Health: Who's got time for it? If you know what's good for you (and your finances) you will make time for it. Health is your most valuable asset. Without it, all
money in
world won't have much value. That's why an investment advisor like me is writing about how, in today’s environment of longer commutes, shorter staffs, instant communications, voice mail, faxes and fast food on
go, as well as social and family obligations, you need to pay attention to your health.Of course, I don’t know your specific situation, but chances are there are at least some similarities between yours and mine. So maybe some of
ways I have found to integrate taking care of my health into my routine will assist you to do
same. However you do it, I guarantee it will be one of
best investments you will make.
Life as a whole can be overwhelming, so I divide it up into smaller, more manageable pieces. Every 24-hour period represents a ‘mini-life’ to me, which I want to fill with things I ‘have-to-do’ and, more importantly, things I ‘want-to-do.’
I am an investment advisor, specializing in no-load mutual fund investments, and have owned and operated my company for
past 20 years. Besides doing extensive research so I can effectively manage
millions of dollars of clients’ assets I am responsible for, I write and publish two weekly investment updates, a monthly newsletter, various investment articles, and handle 15,000+ subscribers to my free internet publications. In addition, I am a husband and an older parent of a 7-year old boy.
Though my plate is pretty full, over my career I have developed a lifestyle which balances my health and work very well, thereby making me a more relaxed and productive person.
Here’s how my 24-hour “mini-life” works.
After working at
office in
morning, at 11:30 sharp I head to
fitness center for my 90-minute lunchtime workout. Afterward, I grab a nutritious sandwich and a health drink, and by shortly after 1 pm I’m back at
office.
Thanks to my exercise regimen
edge has been taken of and I’m relaxed knowing that I already have attended to my health needs. I may be physically a little tired, but mentally I feel very sharp, so
afternoon is my most productive time. Since I generally enjoy my work, it's okay if my work day extends into
evening. I feel good!
After a leisurely dinner with family and some play time with my son, I’m ready for my ultimate physical and mental relaxation ritual. Since I have always chosen to live in communities with facilities such as pool and spa, around 8 pm I head out for a wonderful hour or so of ‘decompression time.’ That includes a 45-minute soak in my spa, a dip in
cold pool and a shower. Afterwards I stretch out in
lounge chair looking at
stars in a cloudless Southern California sky and enjoying my favorite adult beverage.