It’s true. Entrepreneurs are very busy people. They’re notorious workhorses who can go an extra mile to achieve their set goals and objectives. When they’re not attending meetings, they’re busy developing business ideas, or discussing the next big initiative with colleagues, or simply looking forward to the next deal with a prospective partner.
New business owners are also caught up in this booby trap. They pour all their energy into their work in order to build businesses that’ll thrive amidst several competitors. But these exploits often come at a price.
Being too busy, more often than not, impacts their state of health and fitness levels negatively. It could be as a result of irregular exercise, poor eating habits, or inadequate sleep. The overall effects are reduced productivity, burnout and deteriorating health. Not good at all for business. But then, how can entrepreneurs reverse this ugly trend? What can they do to achieve success without sacrificing their health, be it physical or mental?
The truth is that you can create a balance between a healthy lifestyle and a busy work schedule. That sounds like having your cake and eating it, right? But really, it’s just a matter of setting your priorities right, and these tips will help you do just that.
1. Get Regular Exercise
- Use fitness apps:
There are many smartphone apps that you can use to achieve your fitness goals, thanks to advancement in science and technology. These apps have been designed to allow you modify workout schedules, track your workout improvements or simply tell us the suitable routine relevant to our fitness level.
- Sign up for athletic events:
Whether it’s a marathon race organized to raise money for charity, or simply an endurance trek to mark an anniversary, this type of workout does a great deal to boost your general fitness level. You should do a lot of it during your weekends. If you’re not used to working out, start with this beginner’s workout routine. You’ll be amazed at the kind of effect it would have on your overall health and weekday work output.
- Schedule meetings during your work outs:
Have you tried scheduling your meeting outside the office before? Why not fix your next meeting at the gym during your work out session. It’s a pretty good way to make productive use of your time while you achieve more fitness. That’d definitely be a quick win for you.
2. Take Care of Your Diet
- Spread your meals through the day:
You could go for several light meals in a day instead of the not-so-good heavy ones that you take three times a day. This guarantees a constant release of energy to your body, and keeps you active all day. So no matter how busy your daily schedule could be, you must never skip meals.
- Cut out junk food from your diet:
You need to eat more of natural foods, and avoid those processed junk foods. You should also spice up your diet with vegetables, fruits and foods rich in protein such as milk, eggs and yogurt. A great diet sure helps to raise your energy level.
- Drink a lot of water:
There are many health benefits associated with regular water intake. Generally, it speeds up your metabolism, thus promoting your physical, mental and emotional health. The recommended daily water intake is around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. So keep your water dispenser within reach.
3. Get Enough Sleep
- Sleep at least 7 hours per day:
The need to have adequate sleep can never be over-emphasized. It allows you to start the next day more lively and energetic. More importantly, it prevents your body from high blood pressure which is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It is recommended to sleep for at least 7 hours per day. Skipping it is a career suicide.
- Take power naps:
Power naps have the ability to recharge your brain during a tedious day at work. It reduces stress, improves your reaction time and increases efficiency. In fact, studies show that an average of 20 minutes of nap in the afternoon provides a magical effect on the body. That’s why it’s called a power nap.
The tips I’ve outlined above are practical but they’re not casted on stone. There are other general tips which busy people can apply to stay fit and healthy. So go all out to keep yourself fit and healthy – as keenly as you strive to keep your business going and growing.