The only dividend of this era is: physical and mental health

I came across a quote that really resonated with me: "The only dividend of our time is maintaining good health."

Once, when we talked about dividends, we meant trends, opportunities, and information gaps. But now, in a world where uncertainty is the norm and mental drain is everywhere, the greatest dividend is none other than the four words: **physical and mental health**.

The money earned from pulling all-nighters may not even cover a single night in the ICU. The achievements gained through constant anxiety will eventually "pay you back" in the form of insomnia, hair loss, and weakened immunity. A young body is like a credit card—you think you can overdraw it endlessly, but the bill will always arrive, with exorbitant interest.

And once your body sends out warning signals, all the positions and opportunities you’ve chased so fiercely will instantly lose their weight. Protecting your physical and mental health is essentially investing your limited energy in people and things that nourish you.

How to seize this "dividend of the era"?

1. **Sleep is the ultimate compound interest**: Rest fully when it’s time to rest; aim for 7–9 hours of sleep every night.

2. **"Sweat for ten minutes a day"**: Take brisk walks, jump rope, dance—get your body used to being active.

3. **Eat food that makes your body feel good**: Not just what tastes good to your brain.

4. **Get an annual physical exam**: It’s the most cost-effective risk prevention measure.

5. **Practice "separation of concerns"**: Learn to distinguish *"whose business it is"*—don’t overdraw yourself for someone else’s problems.

6. **Build a positive social circle**: Surround yourself with people who make you feel relaxed and happy; stay away from draining relationships.

The more complex the times get, the more we need to return to the most fundamental things: eating a good meal, sleeping a sound night, and keeping a heart that can appreciate the beauty in daily life.

This may not seem "ambitious" or "efficient" enough. But when you’ve seen too many people lose their health in the rat race and wear down their souls in endless anxiety, you’ll realize this: **to live a life of physical and mental well-being is, in itself, a victory worth celebrating.**