Building a business is a worthwhile endeavor, but too many entrepreneurs neglect their health and wellbeing while pushing hard to achieve success. The problem is that unhealthy business leaders fail to impact as many people as they would like.
In order to maintain your health and have the energy required to do the hard work of business development, consider the following five actions:
1 – Get Adequate Rest
In our driven society today, many people fall into the trap of thinking that rest is for the weak. However, scientific studies have shown that we only operate at peak performance around four hours per day. The idea of working longer and harder to get more done and be more effective actually works against us. For an in-depth guide on this topic, we encourage you to read “Rest” by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang. It could be a game-changer for your life and business.
2 – Make Exercise a Priority
Most of us understand that making exercise a regular part of our schedule is vital to our health, but it’s so easy for us to squeeze it out. We replace it with working longer and harder for fear that slowing down could ruin our business momentum. No matter what you need to do, make it a priority. Study your schedule and find the ideal time for you to make it happen 3-5 times per week. Then make an appointment with yourself that you protect.
3 – Eat to Fuel Your Mind and Body
It’s been said that we can’t out-exercise our mouths. What experts mean by this is that you can do the physical work and still sabotage your health with what you eat. This is why so many people find themselves overweight and lethargic despite having a consistent exercise routine. Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand. Invest the time to prepare your meals in advance so you don’t have to react when it’s mealtime. Eat to fuel your body, not just for pleasure. While this requires discipline, it’s well worth it for your mental and physical health.
4 – Spend Time With Life-Giving People
People can build us up or tear us down. They can give us energy or drain us. Be wise about who you spend time with. Time is the most precious resource that you never get back once it’s gone. Building a business is challenging and sometimes discouraging. You need to surround yourself with people who understand you and support you in your journey. You need people who will pour into you and pick you up when you’re feeling down. Make sure you don’t squeeze out the very people who can help you most by overworking and isolating yourself.
5 – Step Away from Your Business Periodically
Most entrepreneurs love what they do, so it’s difficult to imagine stepping away. However, when we step away from time to time, it allows us to recharge and gain a fresh perspective. You are a human “being”, not a human “doing.” Beware of overworking and drowning in your business development. The reality is that the work will be waiting for you after you take a break. Take periodic breaks throughout each day. Block extended periods of time each week that you’re not working. If you’re bold, block out several days at a time where you’re doing other activities besides working on your business. And, of course, make sure you’re taking annual vacations to get away, relax, reconnect with your most-valued people, and recharge your batteries.
We understand that taking care of yourself while building your business can be scary or intimidating. However, your clients and customers need you at your best to help them the most. Your friends and family need you healthy and present. When you’re exhausted, burned out, and unhealthy, you don’t do anyone any good.
One of the best ways to take care of yourself is by being a part of a community that gets you and keeps you accountable for your own sake. If you’re not a part of a community like this, we want to invite you to check out the Design Launch Grow business coaching program where like-minded entrepreneurs learn and grow together for the sake of advancing their businesses. If you would like help building a business around your message that generates consistent income month after month, then check out Design Launch Grow today!