Is Your Health Already Part of Your Business Strategy or Just a Byproduct of Your Day?
The first wealth is health. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the things all entrepreneurs have in common is that they unapologetically take care of themselves on a daily basis. They put their health and themselves first.
And why?
Because without good health, you can’t be at the top of your game. Plus, all the world’s success and money will be of no use to you if you can’t enjoy it.
According to GCI Health 50% of women don’t make their health a priority. They wear many hats, from being breadwinners, mothers, caretakers, and for some also entrepreneurs.
And one thing they’re very good at? Putting everyone and everything else but them first.
However, to ensure success in any endeavor, you need to take your health as seriously as your business or career. A burnout happens faster than you think. Been there, done that, and believe me, it’s defo not a nice-to-have.
A burnout comes very slowly into our lives because we’re good at ignoring our bodies’ early signals. When you put the word burnout on your state, it’s already too late. And it takes more than just a few weeks to recover.
Imagine you had to stop working on your goals because of that? How much would it cost you in terms of money and opportunities?
Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean fitting a size 0. It’s about nurturing your body, spirit, and mind to uplift you closer to your goals, so you get there faster.
Here are three non-negotiable things I integrate into my days that you can start implementing today to take care of your health.
Move your body every day
This is not new, but surprisingly, many people neglect to move their bodies every day. And the older you get, the more severe consequences it has on your health.
It’s not me saying it. It’s science! A study conducted on approximately 800,000 people has shown that lack of movement negatively impacts our health and brain. Sedentary lifestyles are even linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Now I know it can feel like a burden to add a new block to your crowded schedule. Or even multiple little blocks throughout the day. But try to think differently: it’s time you’re investing in your health, so become the better version of yourself.
Moving your body doesn’t have to be running 10 miles or doing a HIIT workout every day. This can be anything from tying your shoes while standing on one leg, stretching for 15 minutes, running, going to the gym, walking, or cycling to the office.
It doesn’t matter, as long as you move your body. Besides getting in a better mood, moving your body every day gives you more energy, helps you think better, and you’ll be pumped throughout your day.
Your to-do feel good
My advice is to start the day with a little workout and plan any other break during the day to move our bodies. To start effectively and stick to it, you’ll need a plan.
- Define your minimum feel-good: what’s the minimum you need to feel great? Is it a little walk of 30 minutes before breakfast? 10.000 steps a day? Running a few miles in the morning?
- Prepare everything you’ll need the night before: if you go for a walk, put the clothes you’ll need already in the bathroom or wherever you get ready. Same for your sportswear.
- Include mini-breaks during the day to move your body
Sleep your way to success
We can’t get to the top of anything if we’re sleep deprived — and most of us don’t even know that we are. — Terry Cralle, W. David Brown
A myth that is still alive today is that you can accomplish more with less sleep. After working 100+ hours a week for more than two years in my old consulting firm, let me tell you one thing: you won’t.
Sleep deprivation has a direct impact on your cognitive abilities and immune system. It can affect the way you make decisions or how you remember things, to name a few. You’re also prone to infections or weight gain when you don’t get your hours in.
If you feel daytime sleepiness, difficulties focussing, or excessive yawning, you might be sleep-deprived. Instead of relying on stimulants during your day to compensate, try getting you hours of sleep every night.
Your to-do feel good
You need to find your sweet spot and make it non-negotiable to get these hours of sleep in. How many hours of sleep do you need to be on top of your game? And then commit to it.
For me, it’s 8. Even if, for a while, having a young baby made it difficult to stick to it. If you’re in that situation, try to include naps in your sleep-schedule.
Find yourself a hobby
It’s extremely important to have other things in your life that you are obsessed with, or more obsessed with, than work. — Jennifer Hyman
I can already hear your laugh. A hobby? With the little time you have in your day you think? Honey, how many shows have you binge-watch on Netflix? Or hours a day spent scrolling down your Tiktok?
Yeah, I thought so.
Adding time to do things you’re passionate about to your schedule is another key to your success. We all need a mental rest from our business or career. Engaging in a simple activity that doesn’t require your brain to enter into deep and complex thoughts will help your mind relax.
I’ve found that painting or drawing, for example, helps me wind down and engage in a different flow state that stimulates my creativity and mind differently. After a session, I feel completely relax.
A hobby opens your mind to new ideas or solutions. If I have a challenge in my business or job, I’ll go for a run. And almost every time, I’ll find a solution. By allowing your brain to get off the hamster wheel, you can come back with fresh, creative ideas.
Your to-do feel good
Working obsessively on your projects and goals is good. Taking time to reset your mind and start rested also.
- If you don’t have a hobby, good news: with 104 weekend days in a year, you have plenty of time to explore different things and find what you love
- Schedule this time in your day or multiple time a week
- Relax!
Final thoughts
Taking care of your health is more than eating your greens and drinking water. It’s about finding the right balance between body, mind, and spirit, which you can do by:
- Moving your body every day
- Sleeping the number of hours you need to feel rested (which differs for everyone)
- Pick a hobby and spend time practicing
Your health-plan should be part of your business strategy. The reward is a more focused, happy, and rested version of yourself, ready to tackle your way to successes, small or big.
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