How Important Is Good Health To Happiness?
Imagine a paper with the numbers 0 to 10 written on it. Zero signifies the least fulfilling life, marked by poor health and unhappiness, while 10 symbolizes a life brimming with vitality, joy, and overall well-being. Which number would you pick to represent your current state of health?
Wherever we’re at now, most of us certainly started well enough. From the moment we took our first breath, we were blessed with something truly precious: good health. But like many things in a young life, this gift likely went unnoticed in the carefree abandon of adolescence.
Children are naturally active and curious, and this high energy level often contributes to their ability to play, explore surroundings, and form social connections. Studies suggest that childhood vitality is closely linked to feelings of overall happiness and emotional development.
The same link applies to adults. Those who describe themselves as active tend to be happier and have fewer health problems, a lower risk of depression, and longer lives.
So it turns out that a good chunk of our general level of happiness is under our control, with a smaller part depending on circumstances.
The Middle Years
As people transition from childhood to midlife, life begins to catch up. By now, they’ve become busy with families, jobs, and other responsibilities. During this busy time, many prioritize work, taking care of kids, and managing household chores, while ultimately forgetting to take care of themselves. There doesn’t seem to be time for exercise, healthy food or getting enough sleep, setting the stage for a downward spiral.
It starts innocently, with seemingly minor, even insignificant changes. A few extra pounds, a bit of moodiness, a lingering tiredness—all can be written off as symptoms of a busy life. But as the years go by, these small changes add up, and consequences become more pronounced. Energy levels plummet, mood swings become more frequent, straining relationships and making everyday interactions increasingly challenging. The risk of chronic diseases also becomes a real possibility as the body's systems begin to break down under the strain of neglect.
Breaking this vicious cycle can be challenging.
In a purely physical sense, the busier we become, the more we neglect our health, and the more we neglect our health, the less energy we have to manage our busy lives and stay truly happy.
The Turning Point
As you head into the 50s, the consequences of this neglect can become even more pronounced, and in the 60’s seriously intensify, affecting health, happiness, and overall sense of fulfillment.
Tragically, I’ve personally known people who have died early in life from neglect. It’s so unnecessary, and those end-of-life years were far from happy. However, these years can also serve as a turning point, providing an opportunity to regain control and redefine well-being as you step into a new chapter ahead.
The key lies in making a few conscious choices about how you live. Swap that slice of pizza for a fresh salad or go for a walk instead of sitting on the couch. Every small lifestyle change will awaken lost energy. The aches may not vanish overnight, but you’ll discover that with care, they can become manageable.
The upside? This new approach to fitness and wellness not only improves your physical condition but also rekindles the spark of joy that comes from being engaged with life again, rather than fighting it.
We only have a short time on this earth. Make the moments count because they quickly turn into years and decades. Without a robust lifestyle, it’s harder to appreciate the simple pleasures—laughter, independence, clear thinking, and the sheer joy of having health be a strong foundation of happiness!
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