Investing in yourself: Practical tips for a healthier, richer life with Dr. Noah Levine

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Understand the powerful connection between financial well-being and your physical health, and how to disrupt that cycle. Learn practical strategies for building resilience, managing stress, and maintaining balance in a fast-paced world. Gain expert advice on preparing for retirement—emotionally, physically, and financially—so you can enjoy a purposeful and fulfilling next chapter. Resources CIBC's "Smart Advice" Podcast and Website - Website | Apple Podcast | Spotify Visit CIBC for more Smart Advice Dr. Noah Levine: Cleveland Clinic Profile Invest in your health by following Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines Read the CIBC Ambitions Index for 2025 Episode Highlights [00:16] Redefining Financial Well-being in a Changing World Canadians must rethink and redefine the meaning of “wealth” in the modern world. Nowadays, there is more to it than money. Health, energy, peace of mind and financial well-being are now core to the definition of wealth. Wealth now also implies having physical vitality, emotional clarity and strong relationships on top of financial stability. Dr. Levine explains how financial stress impacts physical health. Canadians often underestimate how much stress about money affects their day-to-day. [03:11] Dr. Noah: “Our financial wellness is so closely connected to our overall well-being. Financial stress can have impacts on a number of areas of our health, one of those is sleep.” [05:47] Basics of Health and Well-being Dr. Levine encourages starting with simple, science-backed habits that build a healthy life. He breaks down the core areas: balanced nutrition, regular movement, and quality sleep. Prioritizing relationships also play a major role in long-term well-being. These foundations are essential for building resilience, performance, and financial well-being over time. [09:43] The PERMA Model of Well-being Well-being isn’t just the absence of illness—it’s about living with meaning and intention. Dr. Levine introduces the PERMA model: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. Fulfilling each component of the PERMA model enhances our quality of life. Focusing on these elements helps people feel more fulfilled and aligned with their values. [12:21] Building Resilience and Coping with Stress Resilience can also mean adapting to stress and unpredictability rather than trying to remove it entirely from our lives. Dr. Levine shares “micro skills” like pausing, walking, or using mindfulness to manage stress in real time. He introduces the flexibility mindset: a belief that you can face challenges with optimism and control. [16:06] Dr. Noah: “The flexibility mindset is basically a conviction that no matter what happens, I'm going to find a way to deal with this.” This mindset helps people recover faster and stay grounded during uncertainty. [17:47] Employer Support for Employee Well-being Dr. Levine shares how employers can support employee health through smart, strategic interventions. He highlights flu clinics, healthy scheduling, and wellness programs as proactive health tools. In today’s strained healthcare system, employers can fill critical gaps in mental and physical care. [23:28] Preparing for Retirement Retirement is a new life stage that requires emotional, physical, and cognitive preparation. Dr. Levine outlines how physical activity, sleep, and mental stimulation support long-term health. Social connection prevents isolation and helps retirees maintain happiness and mental sharpness. Finding purpose and setting new goals after work creates a fulfilling retirement experience. [28:25] Elevating Financial Well-being Through Intentional Living Small actions can lead to major life transformation — similar to how financial investments can grow to large sums over time. [28:59] Dr. Noah: “I don't really think it matters where you start. I think what matters is making a commitment to yourself and taking that first step.” R