There are reasons companies use employee wellness programs-the higher ROI is sky-high. "[...] Since 1995, the percentage of Johnson & Johnson employees who smoke has dropped by over two-thirds," reports Harvard Business Review. "J&J’s leaders estimate that wellness programs have cumulatively saved the company $250 million on health care costs over the past decade."

 

Johnson & Johnson's employees are falling ill less and one could argue its people could account for some of the companys' steadily-increasing hold on market share over the last decade. In fact, 86% of Glassdoor reviewers (employees) would recommend J&J as a place of work, earning it #38 on Glassdoors 2018 Employees' Choice Awards for the Best Places to Work. 

 

Wellness is irrefutably connected to success, and the reasoning is scientifically... basic knowledge. If you don't feel well, you don't work well. Here is one example, when you are sick, specialized cells called macrophages send out cytokines(secreted by the immune system). These cytokines regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis (helpful), but can affect your brain's control over willy emotions and reasoning. You make poorer choices when you're sick. 

 

Let's disentangle it even more. Who has had a pressing matter to attend to but blew it off because they were depleted? *Raises hand.*

 

 

You can't excel in your day-to-day life if you don't give care to yourself. So, why do we ignore our mental, social, and physical health in the name of success? We'll blame it on false information, a $1.9 billion U.S. Motivational speaking industry, a $13 billion self-help industry, and a $3.7 trillion wellness market. 

 

Bad Advice, Good Advice 

 

Everyone wants to be successful, and there are millions of people trying to sell success to you, helpful or not. A good way to rule out bad advice is to guesstimate how it will affect your health. If it's too taxing on your body and mental health...best to try another way. 

 

Phrases like I will sleep when I die, (beyond being incorrect, you will be dead when you die) digitally blast this unsustainable hustle mentality into our faces each day. It's the wrong information. Taking up a holistic outlook on life is the right information. Let's do away with the whole web that comes with a scarcity mindset. Practice abundance: "there is enough time for me to accomplish what will lead me to contentment and satisfaction. I choose to work smart and diligently all while putting my physical and mental needs before the task. When I put me first, my work truly shines."

 

Rich people live longer

Yes, initially it sounds crazy but a study found those who can afford to eat well, live a vigorous eight to nine more years, all in good health. The study didn't account for generational wealth, but we can connect the dots. A longer lifespan equals more time to chase your dreams. And to have a longer life, wellness plays a huge part in getting you there!

 

Take-aways

If you want to be successful, you will get seven to eight hours of quality sleep, ensuring you function at peak performance each day. Eat healthy foods. Find a way to express daily frustrations, avoiding stressful emotional build-up. Tend to your mental health. Work smarter, not harder. 

 

Want more good advice on living well? Read these articles next:

 

• Snacks, No-Snacks, and Mini-Meals, What’s Best?
• Live Well: Money, Mental Health, and Success
• How To Become a 6 a.m. Runner
• Don’t Let The Fear of Regret Keep You From Living Your Best Life!