Have you been told that success as an entrepreneur is only attainable by driven, self-motivated individuals who possess a strong work ethic? Ones that prioritize work over everything else, even sleep? While this could be true to an extent, these qualities pay off only if you prioritize self-care as well; like devoting time for regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. Making the right choices when it comes to nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and other factors give you the energy to run a successful venture.
According to a recent survey, 30% of entrepreneurs reported a lifetime history of depression, 29% said they were dealing with ADHD and 27% revealed experiencing feelings of anxiety. Evidently, you need to take care of your overall health. If not, both you and your business might suffer the consequences.
So, how exactly do you do that?
1. Eating Healthy and Staying Hydrated
Something as simple as a healthy diet and plentiful water not only nourishes the body but also gives the mind the essential nutrients needed to function at an optimum level. So avoid eating unhealthy – eliminate foods such as sugar, white flour, processed and chemically enhanced foods, aerated drinks, caffeine and excessive amounts of alcohol.
2. Exercising Regularly
Working up a sweat can help manage physical and mental stress. It produces norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. Few studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells (aka neurogenesis) improving overall brain performance. It also increases the production of cells in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.
3. Getting Adequate Rest and Recovery
For an entrepreneur, working long hours without breaks is sometimes necessary. Researchers say that the more tired you are, the harder it is to concentrate, which can take a toll on you. Also when people are tired, they make riskier financial decisions. Instead of minimizing loss, they start looking for risky bigger gains. Which is why a good night’s sleep and rest is more than necessary.
4. Strive for a Routine
Entrepreneurs often struggle with creating and maintaining structure in their daily lives because they often find themselves pulled in several different directions at once. Try to maintain a routine with your sleep, mealtimes, and exercise timings. If it is scheduled in it is more likely to be completed.
5. Take Multiple Breaks
It is recommended that taking multiple breaks (a short walk or a cup of hot tea) during work and incorporating some affirming exercises can have a positive and healthy effect on individuals. Simple statements like “I can” and “I am capable” can get you back on track to achieve your goals.
6. Visualize Success
At the beginning of each day visualize achieving all the goals you have set for yourself. Imagine seeing, hearing and feeling (emotionally & physically) that you have achieved what you want.
7. Delegate and Relinquish Control in the Workplace
One of the biggest obstacles for entrepreneurs is knowing how much control has to be exercised and when it is the right time to delegate tasks to others. Delegating tasks to others frees up time which could help you pave the way to making smarter and healthier decisions for the betterment of your company.
8. Set Boundaries
Entrepreneurs are more susceptible to chronic stress since they find it impossible to set boundaries around the demands of work. For example, in a 9-5 workplace, it is easier to leave your work at the office, but not so simple if you own a business. Learn to say “NO” to the demands of others and yourself when necessary and take a breather.
9. Mindfulness Stress Reduction Techniques
Research suggests that mindfulness meditation has numerous health benefits, including increased immune functioning, improvement to well-being, and focused attention. All of which can in turn influence how you run your business in a healthy, productive, and successful way.
According to the World Health Organization health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease”. Your mental and physical health is just as important for the success of your company. As an entrepreneur, building your business is already a challenging affair. Don’t make it herculean. Be self-aware about what makes you tick, what stresses you out, what puts you into a positive, fulfilled mindset.
Not able to balance work and health? We’re here to help. Talk to an Expert at YourDOST today, for personalized guidance.