Impact Of Wellness On Decision Making

Our lives are a series of causes and effects. Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, there is always a chain of events correlated with how we think, process, infer, and act. This chain precedes the decisions we make, and another chain is born as a result of our decisions. This implies that our decision-making abilities will be influenced by apparent, as well as, not so obvious influences. 

Our physical, mental, and emotional states define us and, naturally, will exert influence on our decisions and decision-making ability. Making good decisions is a critical skill in life and in business/work. Most of us know the importance of giving detailed attention to career planning and goal setting. However, given that the decisions we make shape the world we live in, it would be worthwhile to pause and think about how the state of our wellness – physical, mental, and emotional health – can impact decision making and its domino effect.

He who can not support himself, can not take his own decision. – Gamal Abdel Nasser, President Of Egypt

Physical Health

Joesph Pilates had said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” A profound statement, more than may meet the eye at first glance. This is similar to saying ‘health is wealth’ or ‘the body is your temple.’ There is strong and deep reasoning behind this.

A body battling illness, pain, and disease or compromised functioning, can generate great mental and emotional suffering, along with the physical. It implies sub-par performance, denting capacity, and potential. The mind and body would be distracted in coping and overcoming, leaving one physically and mentally drained. Where then would lie focus, and what would be the strength of decision making? Au contraire, a fit body, makes for a fitter mind allowing for better deliberated, more detailed, and sound decisions. Good physical health can bring a lot more to the table than visible, positive body changes. All the more important, if one’s decisions bear effects on others (e.g. Top Management in a Corporate). Good physical health, thus, should be a goal for being a better leader.

Mental & Emotional Health

Our emotions can impact our decisions is a no brainer. Our emotions can trigger how we feel, behave, and can color the associations we make in our minds with whatever is transpiring around us. Stress, anxiety, depression, and any mental health challenge influence our responses, hence, our decision-making ability. It’s not without reasons. There is a call for greater awareness and address of mental health issues for one and all. For decision-makers, their mental health is crucial to making the right decisions and choices, not just for themselves at a personal level, but also as leaders and thought creators for their organization.

The above is equally true for all others in an organization since their performance will hinge on the state of their wellness.

In a nutshell, Mental Wellbeing will dictate the quality of decisions while Physical Wellbeing will control the quality of all endeavors, and the two work amorphously together in determining final outcomes. Decision-makers certainly cannot sit on the fence with regard to health and wellbeing.

About Vani Pahwa

Vani B. Pahwa is Health & Wellness Evangelist, and Founder, Body In Motion, who specializes in Functional-Fitness, and Cancer Exercise & Rehabilitation. With almost 2 decades of experience, and certifications from leading internationally-accredited and globally-recognized fitness institutions, Vani is the leading Wellness Expert for Multinational Corporations and is a recognized Speaker and Coach. An Indian Classical Dancer, Vani encompasses her learnings from dance to everyday movement making “exercise and training for life, not just events.” To know more about Vani and her premium wellness services, visit https://www.bodyinmotion.in