If you’re always working, you know what a challenge it can be to prioritize your health. These days, when businesses are always available for their customers, answering emails and engaging over Twitter 24/7, it’s like you always have to be available. There’s nothing you’re more passionate about than the new product you’re selling or fundraiser you’re running for a cool new business idea, which is why you’ve chosen this busy lifestyle. But recently, you’ve been noticing that your health is suffering. And it’s time for a change.
Luckily, no matter how busy you are, there are some great ways to stay healthy. By following these tips, you can live a healthy lifestyle while still running a successful business.
1) Exercise
We know. Exercise is what you have the least amount of time for in your schedule. After all, some yoga classes can take more than an hour–add that to the shower and the time it takes to get to and from the studio, and you’ve lost a huge chunk of your workday. The fact is, though, that exercise is not only great for your body (which needs to look good to impress people in your industry, because that’s the world we live in), but also for your mind.
According to Scott Christ, a guest writer for Entrepreneur.com, “The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say that adults should get 2.5 hours a week or more of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two strength training sessions per week. Even if you’re crazy busy, find 10 minutes here and there. It will help with alleviate stress and get those endorphins pumped up to take on startup challenges.” Considering that, in 2016, 22.7 percent of men engaged in exercise-like activities, you don’t have to be hard on yourself if you haven’t started yet. But it’s time to start now.
2) Detox from Social Media
Did you know that the average American consumer spends five hours a day on their phone? Sure, that might be great for your business, especially if you’re a master at social media marketing–but it certainly isn’t great for you. We’re addicted to getting likes on Facebook and Instagram, and especially if you’re struggling at work, you might need to use it for validation. But every time you log on, you’re not only hurting your emotional health, but also losing time you could be spending time working.
Especially if your business relies on it, it can be especially hard to pull away. According to HubSpot, you need to “take stock of how you’re relating to your digital social networks. If you feel comfortable with the amount of time and energy you’re spending on your personal social media accounts, then carry on. If you find yourself staying up late at night checking your feeds, or you’re feeling stressed out by FOMO, taking a short break could be beneficial.”
If you’re truly addicted to social media, then you need to implement strategies to force yourself away from it. To learn more about them, take a look at this list.
3) Sleep enough
Just like exercise, it’s hard to make time to sleep the seven to nine hours that most adults need when you’re a busy entrepreneur. The last thing you want is to lose a potential business partner or big sale because you were sleeping! But just like the other tips on this list, sleep is not only important for you but your work performance, too. Take a look at what a study from The Harvard Business Review says:
“In a separate study of 81 organizations and 189,000 people around the world, we found that four types of leadership behavior are most commonly associated with high-quality executive teams: operating with a strong orientation to results, solving problems effectively, seeking out different perspectives, and supporting others. What’s striking in all four cases is the proven link between sleep and effective leadership.”
So if you’re serious about doing well at your job in addition to being healthy, it’s an easy choice to make: sleep a lot, and sleep in on weekends, too.
4) Schedule it in
Whatever healthy choices you’re making, from exercises for half an hour every other day to taking time out of your busy day to cook a healthy meal, the best incentive you can give yourself to do it is by scheduling it. According to Nicole LaBonde of CABARRET5, you need to “put your workout on your calendar, just like any other appointment you have. You wouldn’t break a business meeting with a client or partner, so don’t break one with yourself! So, give it the same consideration as your other business activities.”
And if you still find yourself having trouble staying accountable, consider teaming up on a health initiative with your colleagues. That way you can all be healthy!
By following these tips, you’ll be healthier and more successful than ever. What other strategies do you use to stay healthy?