We don’t always have the time we think we have – and the best time to start planning our future is now.
People around us can contribute to our future well-being, but we are the ones who have to do most of the work. Often times we look back and see some things we wish we could have done differently or that someone could have warned us.
As I write this article, I feel like a time traveler who is here to help you invest in yourself such that your future self will be grateful.
Our lives are a beautiful web of interlocking spheres such as career, health, and finance. Maintaining a balance is not always easy. But here are some ways of investing in yourself that will help you achieve a better future.
5 Simple Ways to Invest in Yourself
1. Move your body.
The negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle have been widely explored, and none of us need to suffer from things we could avoid. Our bodies thrive when we keep them active. Our brain function increases and our overall health gets better.
In the long run, you reduce your chances of health conditions like depression and diabetes. Being physically active also facilitates the release of ‘happy hormones, ’ which is great!
Some tips to keep you moving include
- Don’t drive where you can walk (your wallet will also thank you!)
- Take the stairs
- Park a bit further from the entrance
- Try to maintain a steps streak
2. Get enough sleep.
I used to be one of those people who deprived themselves of sleep because I always had something to do and felt like sleeping would be wasting time that I should use to be productive.
I would sit at my desk until the sun comes up, and after a while, I realized how unhealthy and unsustainable this habit was.
Sufficient sleep allows your body and brain to rest and regenerate so that you can perform better. In addition to making you look older than you are, sleep deprivation increases your risk of dementia and high blood pressure.
Tips to help you get enough sleep include:
- Have a strict and consistent bedtime and wake-up time
- Turn off the lights
- Keep your room cool and your bed warm
- Avoid screen time for least an hour before you sleep (Ditch the revenge sleep procrastination)
- Sleep nude
3. Feed your brain.
Just as much as we feed our bodies, our brain also craves the ‘good food’.
As we get older, our brain also gets older, but there are things we can do to keep it active and brilliant. Feeding our brain increases our problem-solving skills, improves memory and reduces conditions like depression and anxiety.
Remember, what you feed your brain determines what you will get out of it. Consider:
- Reading good books or enriching blogs.
- Getting mental stimulation.
- Letting your mind wander.
- Taking on ‘challenging’ tasks.
4. Get an education.
Most people think that getting an education is sorely for the purpose of helping you get a particular career.
While it can improve your competitiveness and open more doors for you regarding work opportunities, it also helps with your overall understanding of the world.
We all know some people who talk or tweet the most ignorant things you can think of. And to make things worse, these people do not see the need to learn.
There are so many opportunities to keep learning! Consider:
- Community colleges
- Trade schools
- Online short courses (there are a lot on Google, LinkedIn, Hubspot, etc.)
5. Start saving.
It is never too early to start saving!
Occasionally pampering and treating yourself to some nice things is never a bad idea. But keep in mind the future you that might want to retire early and travel the world or make a big purchase.
Saving money can be difficult, but some helpful tips include:
- Live within your means and minimize debt
- Draft and stick to monthly budgets
- Cancel subscriptions you don’t use
- Cook most of your meals at home
Invest in Yourself: You Can Shape Your Future
Little habits you start today will eventually become part of your lifestyle, and you from the future will thank you. Small changes you make will impact you positively both today and in the long run.
Yes, short-term pleasure is good, but always be mindful of the future and how you want it to look.
Stay active; if possible, invest in a smart or fitness watch. It will help you track your activity level, sleep patterns, and overall wellness. If you are like me and tend to sit down for long periods of time, it will remind you to get up and stretch a bit.
Most have a breathing exercise that comes in handy especially when the day is getting overwhelming, and you just need to stop and breathe. Most phone brands have watches too so there is something for everyone!
Do things that enrich you. Start saving and take on less unnecessary debt, keep your body and brain in good shape, drink less alcohol, and surround yourself with positive people.
Remember, you are your greatest single asset!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Sep 12, 2022 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Photo by Engin Akyurt
