Why You Should Maintain Health and Wellness While Building Your Business

By Deborah MacDonald

There's no question that building your business is time consuming. But, regardless of how busy you are, there are some really good reasons to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I’ve found that when I have a good balance between my work life, family and my health and wellness, I’m more successful.

It all started for me as a kid growing up on our family farm in Alberta. We were taught to make our meals from scratch and general exercise was just part of being a farm kid (especially with all the chores that kept us busy:)

As my husband and I became parents, we also made sure to teach our kids how to eat as healthy as possible and we enrolled them in sports from an early age. Our daughter became a competitive swimmer earning herself an athletic scholarship and our son was a top football player on his team. All this to say, that we practice health, wellness, exercise and positive thinking as part of our daily lives.

Achieving optimal health and wellness as a business owner is easier than you think. Whether you are building your home-based business or are a corporate leader, these tips will help you get there.

Eat Well for Increased Productivity 

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s one that brings a lot of benefits. A study in Population Health Management found that employees who eat unhealthily were 66 percent more likely to experience a loss of productivity.

One of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy diet is to plan ahead. Take some time each week to plan out some healthy, balanced meals and be sure to have what you need on hand, so eating healthy will be easy. Also consider packing a healthy lunch and snacks for work, so fast food isn’t a temptation.

Exercise for more Energy at Work

It seems counterintuitive, but exercising more can actually give you the energy you need to stay productive. That same study from Population Health Management also found that those who only exercised rarely have a 50 percent increased risk of experiencing low productivity.

There are so many options for getting exercise, but the most important thing is that it’s enjoyable to you. Whether you are the type to hit the gym every day, go for a morning run or to head out for a relaxing walk or bike ride during the day, get out and get moving.

Take Breaks to Stay on Schedule

In the midst of a busy day, the last thing you think of is taking a break. But, research shows that taking breaks can actually help you be more productive. The study looked into how taking breaks has an impact on the ability people have to remember things and focus on a task. Most participants became less efficient as the 50-minute task continued, but the group that took two breaks during the task didn’t experience any decrease in productivity.

In other words, taking short breaks while working will actually help you stay focused in the long run.

One of the best things about building your own business is that you have more freedom over your own time. Take advantage of this and take breaks throughout your day to keep your mind focused and stay productive. Step outside for a few minutes, run an errand or even just open a good book for a quick break.

Reduce Stress for more Success

Unfortunately, work is a common source of stress, and this is especially true if you are building a new business. The American Psychological Association found that work-induced stress leads to irritability, anxiety and lack of energy. But, that’s not all. Respondents also said they suffered from fatigue and headaches while stressed, which makes it hard to be effective at work.

These issues can easily get in the way of your success, holding you and your entire team back. But, there are solutions. Eating healthy, exercising and taking breaks can help you reduce stress. So start planning ahead and delegating tasks. Remember, the most successful businesses are those that have a strategic plan and teams that can work together, since no leader can do it all.

I’ve found that as I take the time to maintain my health and wellness, even when I’m busy, I’ve been much more successful. All of these tips can help you do the same, and if you’re interested in finding out how to set goals that will help you maintain a positive balance between building your business and staying healthy - contact me.

NOTE: This article is originally published at this website:
http://www.deborahmacdonald.com/2015/06/09/why-you-should-maintain-health-and-wellness-while-building-your-business

NOTE:  I concur with Deborah MacDonald that achieving and maintaining optimal health and wellness is of utmost importance while building your business. 

I have been inactive in my business and research pursuits for the past six months. as I was diagnosed with an aggressive skin cancer labelled "parotid squamous cell carcinoma." I have declined conventional "poison" therapies and I intend to heal myself naturally. Though it has been a costly journey but an amazing experience of meeting so many competent, alternative, health practitioners.

Read more about My Project - My Natural Healing Journey

I am planning an informal networking event to honour and promote all of the competent, alternative health practitioners - so that they get to know of each others' skills, talents and resources and they will also get to meet like-minded people (possible future clients) who are in pursuit of optimal health and wellness.

Anyone who lives within driving distance of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and wishes to attend - please forward and email to: tom@cyberclass.net with "Health Practitioner Event" in the Subject line and I will forward details - of when and where the event will be held.