Running a business in the 21st Century is a big task, and the chances are that you find yourself short on time on a regular basis. While this can be great for keeping your business in the black, it can also take its toll on your health if you aren’t careful to look after yourself too. It’s common for business owners to put their own needs aside for the sake of their company, leading to poor quality sleep, hypertension, and weight gain – these and other health concerns can eventually have a seriously negative effect on your business. Of course, you’ve got to keep your business afloat, but you should also be making time to manage your health too.
Exercise Regularly
Physical movement is one of the most powerful ways to prevent a whole slew of health conditions and diseases, including high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The average healthy adult should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, as well as a couple of strength training sessions each week too. Building this into your already busy schedule can be difficult, but it’s vital for managing your health. Try taking a brisk walk at lunchtime or a dance class with friends in the evening. Choose something you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with it.
Manage Stress
Stress often goes hand in hand with running a business. While it can definitely get you motivated, chronic stress can also have long term health effects, leading to obesity and heart disease. It’s essential to manage your stress so that you can keep your company operating smoothly, but without sacrificing your health while you’re at it. Managing your time with a schedule is one way to do this. That way, you know what to expect and can plan for getting things done when it’s on the agenda. You should also make time to take a break and do something you enjoy. Setting boundaries is also vital for keeping stress in check. If you like to experiment, you can also try a psychedelics therapy, as it has a tremendous potential to completely reshape your mind for the better.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Whether it’s friends or family, taking a step away from your work to be social is a great way to keep your mind and body healthy. Close bonds with people you love boost emotional, physical, and mental health so make time regularly to get together with the important people in your life. You’ll get the most benefit if you are present and engaged, so put aside thoughts about work so that you can enjoy your time spent, heading back to work refreshed when it’s over.
Eat Healthy Foods
Just like exercise can help ward off diseases and illnesses, so too can eating a healthy diet. The average adult should be getting a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains each day, ensuring that you get the nutrients you need to keep your mind and body healthy. Avoid snacking on junk food, drinking soda, and skipping meals, all of which contribute to the risk of nutrient deficiencies and health problems. Make sure you’re eating regularly throughout the day and that you’re getting enough fiber and healthy fats. Your body and your business will thank you.
Create a Routine
Having a routine helps you stay on track and keeps you from the perpetual exhaustion that goes along with not knowing what’s happening next. Make sure your routine includes self-care, such as your workouts and time to eat lunch during the day. You also want to include bedtime so that you can be sure you’re getting enough rest at night. Once you’ve figured out what might work, give it a try for a few days and make adjustments as necessary. As you get used to your routine, it will become a habit that takes a lot of the stress and worry out of what’s coming and what still needs to be done.
See Your Doctor
In an ideal world, you’d have time to visit your doctor twice a year for a check-up, but for a business owner, that might take a back burner to the other things you need to get done. Seeing a doctor on a regular basis helps you stay on the lookout for potential health problems, such as high blood pressure, and ensures that if something is going on, it’s caught before it becomes more serious. Scheduling time to see your doctor for your physical is vital, but anytime you feel sick or that something is wrong, it’s time to make an appointment. You can’t run your business if you’re ill, so make it a priority to see your doctor anytime it’s needed.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are a great way to center your mind and rest your body. You don’t have to commit hours to this to reap the benefits. A few minutes of meditation in the evening or a half an hour yoga class in the afternoon goes a long way toward helping you rest and recharge your body and mind. Many business owners avoid taking time off because they worry their business will suffer. However, the truth is that a break will rejuvenate your motivation and energy and helps you get back to work, refreshed, and ready for the next task.
Running a business is a big job, but by taking care of yourself, you can ensure that you can also take care of your company. When you are on top form health-wise, you can be on top form business-wise. You will thank yourself for making your health a priority, and so will your clients and staff.
