Make no mistake about it. We all need money to survive. Without it you can’t eat — have a roof of your head — or enjoy the things that make you happy. But, are you obsessed with money? Here are some things in life that are more valuable than money.

I think we’ve all been in a spot where we were only focused on making a ton of money.

We take a job that we can’t stand because the pay is outstanding. Next thing you know — you dread hearing that alarm clock every morning.

Next — you start neglecting your health and relationships. These are more valuable than money. Despite the myth — you aren’t any happier. In fact, research has found that having strong social connections and access to nature makes you happier than merely more money.

In other words — money becomes the most important thing in your life. Even worse, it influences all of your choices and decisions. You’ll find that this is not the way to live.

If you feel that you’re in this situation, remember this statement:

Money is not the most important thing in life. But, there are some things in life that are more valuable than money.

What is the most important thing in your life? Here are five things that you should value more than money.

1. Health – Health is something in life that is more valuable than money.

Yes. You need money so that you have insurance and can cover medical emergencies. The fact is that money can’t improve your health if you eat junk, smoke, and live a sedentary lifestyle.

When you’re healthy — you’re obviously reducing the risk of serious health concerns — like cardiovascular disease. Being healthy gives you more energy. You’re more productive. Whenever you get your body moving — you release endorphins — which can also improve your mood. As a result, you become more successful in life.

Exercising, eating healthy — and getting enough sleep — will also decrease stress and anxiety.

“Stress is what stops most people from getting the results they want in life,” says entrepreneur Arman Sadeghi. “Unfortunately, as stress increases — the human body changes. Hormone levels change and success becomes much harder. Of course, this then further increases stress, so it’s an unfortunate cycle that feeds itself.”

What’s more, chronic stress can lead to fatigue and even an increase in coronary disease. So, it’s also important to take care of your mental health. Exercising and eating healthy is a start.

However, you also need to find other ways to relieve this stress through meditation, building strong relationships. A great choice is talking to a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional.

2. Community – Your community is something in life that is more valuable than money.

“When I have friends I am happy. Friends make me laugh. They also laugh at my problems. They also laugh at my insane stories,” writes author and entrepreneur James Altucher.

Altucher adds, “I love my children. Children are very difficult. NO GROWN MAN wakes up and says, ‘I can’t wait to drive 80 miles to see 300 10 years olds dance in a ballet recital.’ And yet that’s what daughter’s make you do.”

Magic — you can value magic above money.

Why does Altucher do this — and say this? Because he loves his daughter. And, “Because it’s magic to see her dance. Because I won’t admit it — but I value magic more than money.”

Your community can bring you health and support — this can be better than money.

Your friends and family are a community. An actual community can include a professional organization — social, religious group, or nonprofit organization that you support. Being a part of a community comes with benefits that no amount of money could buy.

The benefit of a community includes finding the inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals.

A community allows you to exchange ideas and seek advice when you’re down. It also gives you a chance to network and strengthen your talents. When you’re a member of a community you feel valued.

“There’s evidence that strong community leads to a longer, smarter, quality of life,” says Altucher. “So I value this more than I value money.” I think most of us can agree with that statement.

3. Time – What you do with your time can add more value than money does for you — in life.

Shola Richards, founder of The Positivity Solution, writes that, “there is no amount of money in the world that can buy you one millisecond of time.”

“Unlike money, time cannot be multiplied, borrowed, or recovered after you lose it.” Richards adds, “Time can only be spent. That’s it.”

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. While it is possible that you could end up with much more money in your bank account next year than you currently have right now, you will never be as young as you are at the moment that you are reading these words.”

Time is a limited resource.

It’s important that you get the most out of time. That means effectively managing your time is important. When you manage your time –you’ll be less stressed. You can be sure that you’ll accomplish more with less effort — make fewer mistakes — and avoid conflicts.

Time management also opens you up to more opportunities and allows you to focus on what matter most. Time management — and not money — can lead to a more successful and happy life.

4. Respect – Respect is something in life that is more valuable than money.

“Respect is what I want from you

Respect is what I need

Respect is what I want

Respect is what I need.”

My dad was a huge fan of Otis Redding. Every time we would be in the car he would blast Otis. So, I became very familiar with this classic tune. A more popular version — is the Aretha Franklin version.

I think people enjoyed the “Respect” piece, or song a lot. Sure it’s a catchy song. But respect really is something that we all want in life.You can have all the money in the world. But, when you’re not respected by others — or you don’t respect yourself — then what’s all that money good for?

Additionally, you can’t buy respect. So respect really is more valuable than money.

There are feelings of trust, safety, and well-being that come with respect. That’s because of the sense of worth or personal value that’s been attached to you by others.

People will only respect you when you respect yourself.

Respecting yourself generally means that you’re honest, listen to others, and hold yourself accountable. It also means surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people. Most importantly — it’s treating others how you want to be treated.

In short, respect is crucial if you want to be a happy and successful person.

5. Mental Strength.
Mental strength is something in life that is more valuable than money.

Amy Morin is a renowned a psychotherapist and a lecturer at Northeastern University. Morin also has a claim for being a mental strength trainer. She says that you need mental strength to be successful. This is because mental strength conquers self-doubt, keeps you motivated, and helps you face your fears.

Mental strength also ensures that you learn from your mistakes.

Mental strength assists you when you need to bounce back from failure. And, mental strength can help you regulate your feelings.

Throughout your life you’re going to experience setbacks and obstacles. You’re going to need mental strength — a lot more than money — to help you overcome these obstacles.