Perhaps the simplistic way to think of our health is actually to see it as an investment. An investment, really? By the way, health costs you money and resources.
You see, your body is basically like a car — it carries you around, and you, as you know yourself, are not possible without a healthy body, mind, and soul.
Cars need fuel to work. Put water in them, and they won’t work. Here’s the catch — it’s not just any fuel. Put incorrect fuel, and your car won’t work either.
Although we have to fuel our bodies and minds, it’s not just any fuel that leads them to work effectively and efficiently.
🚗 A Lesson from the Road
Never forget, years ago, while on a road trip up in the Midlands of KZN. We were meandering from Drakensberg Gardens through the Midlands. We stopped in the small town of Boston to fuel up — not only for diesel in this case but for some nice coffee too.
You know how good coffee and road trips are companions — for me, at least. I know some peeps who prefer wings of a Red Bull while driving. It’s the caffeine required, you see — no need to sleep behind the wheel.
Long story short, I filled up my diesel machine too, and off we went. Suddenly, the dashboard warning went berserk, and an orange caution light went on.
Anyway, it was the farming diesel apparently, since I had filled up in a farming town. Not sure if those farmers 🚜 mix fuel and manure — it’s all fuel after all; it depends which equipment needs it.
It’s like eating junk or highly processed foods most days of the week. You will still function, but not optimally. I’m told, actually, I know I have stuffed myself with these junkies on occasion, but not the whole week, I’m thinking, no judgments.
🥝 The Right Fuel for Your Body and Mind
Your body and mind require healthy food — 🥝 kiwis to be exact, not kiwi birds (though they could work after all, they are protein 😜).
For a healthy body, one needs good whole foods, protein, and vegetables — and, of course, physical exercise as well.
Why am I listing all these? Apparently, everyone is familiar with this. Why then do we let our kids live on Coco Pops, Viennas, and Sausage rolls?
Okay, I get it, this is not a dietary blog but a personal financial blog, you might reason, why go on about food? Chill out — your financial independence means nothing if your health is compromised. This could affect your mental health as well. In fact, if you are healthy, you will save more money on medical costs.
Think of it this way, every healthy meal, fitness workout, and a good night’s sleep compounds over time and have long-term impacts on your wellbeing and obviously lowers your medical expenses and improves your overall health.
That’s why doom-scrolling on our phones 📳 is killing us. No postmortem required — experiment on your own. Spend an hour or so scrolling mindlessly on your iPhone (or any smartphone for that matter, if you were smart enough to save and invest by buying a cheaper device).
View those funny Instagram reels aimlessly and tell me whether you feel better after an hour or so. Experiment and comment on this blog post after if you are still alive.
Spoiler alert: you won’t feel invigorated and ready to take on the world, but rather depressed and hopeless.
In fact, you might feel encouraged to eat the whole packet of Oreos and a sugary drink. That’s how, my friends, we are messing up and destroying our health.
🌳 Reconnect with the Outdoors
Just go outdoors for a nice brisk or leisurely walk in a park or nature reserve — no doubt you will feel alive. These activities are free anyway, so you will save money in the process, better than going to the cinema and spending more on popcorn and fizzy drinks.
We were made for the outdoors. Remember, our ancestors never had homes or air conditioning and heaters. They were cave people — no smartphones either — and never knew how to take selfies 🤳, but I would reasonably say they were happier and healthier.
Some research found that we’re perhaps one of the most unhappy and loneliest generations in history. I wonder why?
But we are living longer, you might say, and we have a thousand Facebook friends, and we can order takeouts all week — no need to cook since we need to catch our favourite series on Netflix. That’s the reason we are bored, unhappy and lonely.
You see, this all-too-easy lifestyle is not what real humans were made for. We have zombified ourselves and barely challenge our bodies, brains, or inner beings. No wonder some clever people are now experimenting with cold plunges these days. Cold showers could work too no excuses, or a cold plunge in the nature reserve river, watch out for crocs, this is Africa.
📖 The Lost Art of Living Simply
Gone are the days we used to read real books, play musical instruments, talk, share stories, and walk without cars. No need to read the whole book these days, apparently, AI can summarise key points for you. What a depraved generation we are; we can’t even concentrate long enough to enjoy a good book.
I would suspect that modern humans, if they live fully healthy, eat good foods, enjoy the outdoors often, and refrain from smartphones and TV, could easily live to 110 years or even more, given the advanced health technology of our times.
Here is the verdict: live a simple life 🧬.
Your body is connected to your mind. Eat healthy foods — you know them, pretzels are not food. Stay away from your smartphones most of the time. Spend time outside doing things with family, friends, and community.
Remember, we thrive in community with others.
Most importantly — sleep 💤. Apparently, it does wonders.
I always had a weird relationship with sleep; in fact, I used to think sleeping was a waste of time and laziness. This comes from my childhood since I used to get up very early every day to work in the fields and do lots of farming chores.
💰 Health and Wealth: The Holistic Connection
Take back your life from sugar. There’s no point investing your money for a good life — financial independence, in this case — and handing it to diabetes and hypertension. What would be the point after all?
View your life with a holistic approach. In fact, I am not being hard on you — it’s okay to enjoy an almond Magnum ice cream once in a while, particularly in Durban Summer, but don’t do that every single day.
The same is true for spoiling yourself with a cold Savanna or cold beer on a hot Friday evening, catching up with your friends or family. But don’t binge on alcohol every weekend.
Otherwise, the freedom you are chasing is meaningless if you cut your life short — you won’t enjoy your financial freedom.
The connection between financial independence and holistic health is inseparable — don’t attempt to separate them. Pursue both, and your life will be meaningful and worthwhile.
Meanwhile, indulge and enjoy a few nice things that money and life afford us — in moderation, of course.
I call this the art of moderation —that’s the sweet spot for healthy living. Remember, your health portfolio grows the same way an investment portfolio does, due to small, consistent deposits. In the end, your health and well-being are the ultimate freedom; it’s the consistent investing that affords you time to enjoy your hard-earned wealth.
Trading Time or Buying Freedom 
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