The Most Forgotten Investment: Your Healt

When we talk about investments, most people immediately think about money and how to make it grow. However, there are crucial behaviors along an investor’s journey that are rarely discussed in the media—perhaps because their effects aren’t immediate. Still, they make all the difference in the end result.

By definition, investment revolves around money. And most investors are regular, working people with relatively stable monthly incomes. When they decide to build a more solid financial future, they almost always follow one of two paths: cutting expenses or increasing income.

The first path—often the most applicable—is expense control, with the goal of having some money left at the end of the month. People take stock of the “leaks” where money slips away. Undoubtedly, this task involves evaluating whether expenses are essential or superfluous. If the goal is to pay off debt, applying this kind of reflection is essential. But it must be done with balance.

The second path is seeking new sources of income, which generally means sacrificing rest or leisure hours. Many take on a “second shift” as ride-share drivers, delivery workers, or informal service providers. In practice, this extra effort almost always aims to cover an already tight budget.

Both approaches reveal one thing: the current lifestyle doesn’t fit within the budget.

There’s nothing wrong with choosing these paths. Both demand commitment, discipline, and often, sacrifice—which can even lead to personal growth. But the question few people consider is: what is the real cost of these choices?

Every decision has a price. And often, that price doesn’t appear on your bank statement—it shows up in your body and mind. Working double shifts or slashing spending too severely can come at a high cost if it compromises your health. Keep this in mind: your health is the most important asset you have.

The relationship between health and money is direct. Taking care of your body and mind requires investment: in quality food, in leisure, in rest, and in prevention. And here lies the real question: would you rather prevent or treat?

In an effort to save money for investing, many people make poor choices. They cut food down to the bare minimum, forgo healthy leisure, and live in survival mode—believing they’re being financially smart. But this mindset comes at a high cost in the long run.

I’ve come across real stories that clearly illustrate this dilemma. One colleague, trying to save as much as possible, had dinner every night consisting only of cornmeal and bologna. In the short term, it was cheap. In the long term, he developed gastritis and had to spend money on expensive medical exams. The money saved at the dinner table turned into hospital expenses—a false economy.

Another example is a colleague I deeply admire. She has access to information, good nutrition, and the means to maintain a healthy routine. But she only turns to medication when she’s already sick, ignoring medical recommendations for prevention. She’s at the peak of her professional and financial life but can’t enjoy her achievements because she neglects to care for herself.

These aren’t isolated cases—they’re mirrors of what many people silently live through.

That’s why the message is clear: invest in yourself first. Instead of cutting out what’s essential, seek balance. Prioritize real food—with more peels and fewer packages. Exercise. Sleep well. Nurture your mental health.

In the long run, you’ll realize that the money you didn’t spend on doctors can be used to live better—with health, freedom, and quality time. And that is true profit.