Wealth and Health
There are two tendencies about money and health that I took note of.
There are two "health-wealth-cycles": a positive cycle and a negative cycle.
Please allow me to explain.
Time and money wouldn't be necessary in an ideal world, but they are, regrettably, therefore this "model" I thought up should help you understand why it's important to let go of these things.
The cycle of "Negative-Health-Wealth"
I'll start with the negative cycle since I think more people would be able to relate to that. Ideally, I'm wrong. It works like this:
A person has problems with time and money. Despite their hard effort, they seldom ever make enough money to cover their basic needs. (Not acknowledging that they are now wasting money in unnecessary ways.)
To increase cash flow, they must either reduce expenses or put in more effort. or both, on the other hand. Since we see that they are simply wasting money on rent and food, they will likely reduce food expenses.
Since it is less expensive and doesn't need cooking, they are starting to consume unhealthy food. They also start to put in extra hours to increase their cash flow.
The bad eating will eventually make them weak, which will result in reduced productivity at work or perhaps no job. Less money will be raised as a result, and medical costs will rise.
Moving on with this downward spiral, they can afford to eat food that is even lower quality, which will result in an increasingly worsened state of health until, at some point, they get a serious illness like diabetes, a heart attack, or a malignant growth.
I am aware that these major ailments likely demand a larger expenditure, but the effects of consuming poor-quality food may be seen very fast.
The movie "Supersize Me" is a good choice if you still aren't convinced, and not just because it deals with bad eating and insufficient rest and growth.
The cycle of "Positive-Health-Wealth"
We should look at the opposite, the "positive-health-wealth-cycle," which states that when someone has enough money, they are less stressed, which is something to be grateful for.
The person, who may be an adept in gourmet cooking, can afford the price of fine meals. Eating out is done at top-notch restaurants where the food will improve rather than harm their health.
Since they are making enough money, they can virtually take an hour off work to engage in some activity. It would be preferable if they completed it before work.
They start to realize that eating well and exercising will increase their productivity, allowing them to complete more tasks and earn more money. They could need more time to prepare their diet while upping their supplement intake and exercise routine.
Maybe they'll attempt to start a course on introspection or do some other activities to relax. Additionally, they are prepared to relax more and recharge each day.
They will improve and maintain their health once all is said and done.
I am aware that both of those scenarios are absurdly optimistic. Although eating poor quality food won't make you throw up in a couple of days, after viewing "Supersize Me," I'm certain that it happens far sooner than most people would care to admit.
In addition, earning more money won't lead to starting to cook; rather, it will motivate you to put in more effort to increase your income flow. I assume you still get my argument, though.
Being stuck in a negative cycle is awful because the more you go in it, the more difficult it is to come out.
There is no doubt that it is possible, but the earlier you begin, the simpler it will be.
Think about the main model person and picture this:
Due to time and money constraints, the person starts to think of ways to get out of it. He starts his research on the internet and wonders how he might work more effectively or earn money as an afterthought. He steps on a piece of writing that claims that effective employees are healthy and well-rested.
He mulls over everything and starts doing more research. In some of the articles he finds, it is stated that 20 to 30 minutes of exercise in the morning are sufficient to elevate mood for the following twelve hours, thereby increasing insulin responsiveness and glucose resistance as well as possibly improving mental performance.
Even though this is now a rather major alteration, he decides to take a risk. He makes no other adjustments and engages in some mild exercise every day.
He feels better all day long after practicing, working on his social connections, meeting new people, and being less anxious. He strives to improve his connection with his boss and informs him about his morning workout routine and how terrific he feels later in the day.
Additionally, he notices that he has dropped a little weight, which is strange given that he hasn't altered his diet. In addition, he works more efficiently and experiences more mental clarity. He starts to think unusual ideas both about his job and about topics unrelated to it..
He may stop working overtime because of his increased productivity and leave early to go home, where he decides to cook once a week. He is prepared to study more health articles and discover other activities he may perform in his free time at home.
He tries the Pomodoro technique and needs scheduled 5-minute breaks, during which he gets up and moves about because he's heard sitting is bad. Since his job output increased (and his boss is feeling great as a result of the exercise advice), he is promoted and starts to make more money. He is still a little on edge, but he no longer puts himself under pressure over money.
He continues to replace his old unhealthy habits with new, good ones, becoming healthier, looser, and happier.
I am aware that things could be better. I've seen it in people, though, and I've also noticed it in myself. I am capable of speaking for myself, but I think you are as well.
I have to admit that I benefited from it and had previously realized the value of health when still in school and not having to worry as much about money.
But now that I'm working harder, I'm actually happy. In those times, I invested in my health. I am much more productive as a result. Every now and again, I think that sitting about instead of working on anything for my health would be preferable, given that everything else being equal.
If it works out, I pause and remind myself that taking care of my health is important and that taking a 10-minute break to walk or reflect will increase my productivity.
I occasionally ponder whether prioritizing health above riches was the best strategy for achieving my goals, but I'm not sure. It depends on a great number of other external circumstances.
I'm confident that everyone can break free from the harmful health-wealth loop. Though perhaps not with the same ease as in the aforementioned state of mind, it is nevertheless plausible.
With three or four days left in the month, I ended up with more than $10. That was the first time I thought to myself, "Man, you need more money to buy food; what are you going to do?"
Yes, I will work hard to maintain my health and ensure that this never happens.