Running a business can be pretty hectic. Entrepreneurs, both new and established, likely spend the majority of their time working. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle – making calls, closing deals, attending meetings, etc.
Too often, business owners aren’t taking the time to address their own personal needs. Entrepreneurs often fail to realize that their own health is just as essential to their business as the business itself. Overlooking the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body can be just as damaging as missing a big opportunity.
You should prioritize check-in and listen to what your body tells you, no matter how busy you are. If you’re not physically and mentally ready to take on your business demands and challenges, you’re only putting the company at a disadvantage.
Here are seven ways in which entrepreneurs can maintain excellent health while running an enterprise.
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1. Staying Hydrated
It’s easy to forget about drinking water during a busy day at work. Still, staying hydrated goes a long way in benefitting your professional well-being as well as your personal health. 70 percent of our bodies are made up of water, so it makes perfect sense that drinking it directly affects how we perform in the workplace.
Staying hydrated keeps you energized throughout the day. Dehydration, when you haven’t had enough water, can make you may feel groggy, lethargic, or even experience headaches, all things that can directly interfere with your ability to run your business effectively.
It would help if you made it a goal to drink approximately 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. If this sounds more challenging than half your work tasks, mix it up with some variety. Flavored water, seltzer water, or hot tea will all get the job done.
2. Mindful Eating
Busy entrepreneurs can also forget to eat enough throughout the day or settle for fast and convenient food options, which aren’t always the healthiest choice. Fast food may be easy to grab and eat on the go, but the short-term productivity isn’t worth the long-term havoc; it can wreak on your body. These foods lack important nutrients and, if eaten regularly, may even cause the development of diseases in the future.
Instead of relying on takeout day after day, get into the habit of bringing your own lunch to work. When you cook at home, you know exactly what’s in your food. Bringing your own meals and snacks gives you full control over what you’re putting into your body.
You can tailor your diet so that your body is receiving the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function efficiently. Pro-tip: Try meal prepping on Sunday nights, so you have everything ready for the week ahead.
3. Moving Your Body
According to recent studies, living a sedentary lifestyle is much deadlier than smoking, diabetes, and even heart disease.
Movement is an integral part of achieving career and business success. Starting your day with some physical activity helps stimulate hormones such as endorphins and serotonin, which boost your mood and fight stress.
This doesn’t mean you have to go out and run six miles every day. Sometimes a 20-minute low-impact workout will do the job of waking your body up and activating your hormones. Try different things and find out what you like. The more you enjoy the movement, the more motivated you’ll be to do it versus looking at it as a chore.
4. Prioritizing Mental Health
Running your own company is often high stress and requires an inordinate amount of your time and mental energy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and even isolated. Leaving these feelings unaddressed over time can take a toll on your mental health, which could lead to burnout, and even depression. Your mental health should always be a priority for the quality of your business and your life.
Therapy is a big step you can take to find a safe outlet for verbalizing your feelings. On a smaller scale, you can try journaling to write down what you’re feeling throughout the day or week.
Recording your feelings helps give you a clear sense of your emotional state and recognizes any harmful behaviors you may have developed subconsciously. A journal lets you check in on your mental well-being as often as you choose. You could also log what you ate or the exercises you did that day to hold yourself accountable.
If you’re feeling really burnt out or run down, it’s probably time to take a break. Listen to those instincts. Consider scheduling a vacation. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long international trip, traveling can help refresh and recharge your mind, so when you’re ready to come back, you’ll be able to give your full focus to running your business successfully.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough hours of sleep can definitely take a back seat when running a company that’s really beginning to grow. Make it a priority. It would help if you were getting at least 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night. Sleep is how our bodies and brains recharge each day. Without it, you can’t function to the highest of your ability.
There are many benefits to entrepreneurs when they get adequate sleep. A well-rested brain makes better decisions. When faced with challenges, it will be easier for you to find creative solutions. Getting adequate sleep also improves your information retention capabilities, which enhances your memory. It can also boost your energy and mood, allowing you to build good relationships with your employees and be a better leader.
Health is Wealth
Taking care of your body while running a business isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Remember that you’ll have the most to lose if you get sick while managing your growing company. A lot of the advice above is pretty basic but can really go a long way.
Squeezing in a few minutes of exercise and being more mindful of your eating foods will do wonders in keeping your body fit and ready for anything. Think about how much time and energy you’ve invested in your company as you work to build and grow it. Don’t forget to also invest in your own self-care. Both you and the business will reap the rewards.
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