As financial advisors, we dedicate our careers to building and preserving wealth—for our clients, our loved ones, and ourselves. Yet the cornerstone of enduring success often gets overlooked: our personal health. Your health not only affects your performance but also your long-term financial outcomes and overall quality of life. By embodying a healthy lifestyle, you build trust and credibility. Clients are more likely to resonate with an advisor who exemplifies the benefits of a balanced, disciplined approach—whether it’s in their finances or their personal life.

 Here is a guide with steps financial advisors can take to foster personal wellness and inspire positive change in clients and loved ones:

1. Treat Your Workouts Like Client Meetings

Just as you would never miss an important client meeting, schedule and prioritize workouts as non-negotiable appointments on your calendar. Aim for at least 30 minutes daily—be it walking, running, cycling, yoga, or lifting weights.  If consistent exercise is new to you, start with 15 minutes of walking, jogging, or resistance exercise and build up slowly from there.  The key is to develop a daily habit of exercise to sharpen focus, reduce stress, and maintain consistent energy.

Advisor Tip: Block workouts on your calendar just like your portfolio reviews — reschedule if you must, but never cancel.

2. Plan Your Nutrition Like You Plan a Portfolio

You do not develop portfolios on the fly, and you shouldn’t decide your meal options that way either.  Healthy eating requires planning. Approach your meals with the same care and strategy as you do your clients’ investment portfolios. Aim to reduce processed food intake and increase nutrient-rich whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Advisor Tip: Set aside time each weekend to prepare healthy meals and snacks ahead of a busy work week, reducing impulsive unhealthy choices during a busy day or market volatility.

3. Implement Stress Management as a Daily “Market Check”

Markets fluctuate, and so do our stress levels. Incorporate stress management tactics, such as mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine to build emotional resilience and sharper decision-making capabilities.

Advisor Tip: Start your day with five minutes of mindfulness or meditation — think of it as your morning market brief for your mind.

4. Regular Health Screenings: Your Personal Annual Review

As advisors, we understand the power of regular check-ins and portfolio reviews. Apply this philosophy to your health through routine preventive health screenings to spot potential concerns before they become significant issues.

Advisor Tip: Schedule your annual physical exam with the same diligence as your annual client financial reviews.  Be prepared to be open with your medical professionals about any issues you may be having.  Do not wait for an annual exam to discuss changes in your health.  Just as you encourage your clients to reach out when life changes could impact their financial plan, prioritizing your wellness demonstrates that you practice what you preach.

5. Invest in Quality Sleep: Your Best Performing Asset

Quality sleep is akin to a well-performing investment—it yields returns in productivity, mental clarity, and overall wellness. Prioritize 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night by establishing consistent sleeping patterns and environments.

Advisor Tip: Create a relaxing nightly ritual (e.g., reading, limiting screen time) to signal your body it’s time to rest—much like the way you wind down your day after market close.

Inspire Your Clients Through Authenticity

Your personal journey toward better health can resonate profoundly with clients. Sharing genuine experiences about your commitment to personal wellness not only positions you as a relatable professional but can also inspire your clients to prioritize their own wellbeing.

Remember, as a financial professional, your health is your most significant long-term asset. Caring proactively for yourself helps you sustain the mental sharpness, physical stamina, and emotional stability necessary to build a thriving practice, maintain meaningful relationships, and enjoy the wealth you diligently create.

Health truly is wealth. Invest wisely.