Entrepreneurs and business owners are known for being passionate and hard-working. However, when most of your life revolves around growing your business, there are a few things that can take the backseat. One such thing is living a healthy lifestyle. With extended hours at the office or working from home, business owners rarely worry about their eating habits or exercise.
While it may seem to be a difficult endeavor, there are ways that business owners can lead a healthier lifestyle in 2021.
Step 1: Eat Healthier
Yes, ordering fast food for dinner when you’re stuck late at the office is easy and convenient, but it’s not doing much for your health or your wallet. Eating healthy is hands down the easiest way to live a healthier life, and even small changes can have a big impact. We’re not asking you to go vegan or vegetarian — do so if you wish. What we suggest is to swap out your fast food for a homemade meal or try giving up that sugary energy drink you have every morning for breakfast.
Replacing sugary sodas and energy drinks with water can help you reduce your sugar intake and lose weight. Not to mention, you can avoid those midday crashes.
If it seems like you don’t have the time to make a nutritious lunch at home, try looking for a pre-made meal at your local supermarket. Grocery stores often have lunchtime solutions for those with busy lives, including everything from sushi to sandwiches and soups and salads.
While you’re eating healthier, make sure to stay hydrated as well. Keeping your body hydrated is key for optimal brain function, which means you’ll feel more energized.
Step 2: Move More
While it may be difficult to find the time to exercise, it is necessary to get and stay in shape. After a long day, you may feel tired. You may even feel tired after lunchtime. If that’s the case, you might need some exercise. Exercise increases your energy levels throughout the day, which means you’ll feel more energized at work and will likely be able to accomplish more, allowing you to leave work earlier to come home and relax.
While 20-30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended by the experts, we understand that it may not be possible for someone who is trying to grow a business. Instead, try simply moving more. Believe it or not, a little bit more movement a day can have a big impact on your health. If you find yourself with extra time during the day but cannot leave the office in between meetings, go for a relaxing stroll to get your body moving.
You may also opt for a standing desk or a treadmill style desk that allows you to walk while working at a computer. If that’s not for you, then you may want to try setting the alarm on your phone for every 10 minutes, reminding you to get up and stretch. Taking your eyes away from your computer more often will also reduce eye strain you have from staring at screens all day!
Step 3: Quit Bad Habits
While eating the right foods and moving your body more is important, you could be undoing all of your hard work with bad habits. Smoking is one such habit that many people take up to manage their stress. However, did you know that smoking can cause anxiety to get worse? Studies actually show that smoking may increase anxiety.
Not only that, but we’ve heard about the health problems associated with smoking for many decades now, and if you’ve been smoking cigarettes for a long time, you’ve probably felt them. Whether it’s shortness of breath, bad breath, or a chronic cough, it’s time to quit. You may have heard of The Patch, but have you heard of The Pouch? Nicotine pouches are a simple method to help you quit smoking. They contain nicotine but are less harmful than smoking — try it out here and see whether it’s a good choice for you.
Step 4: Learn to Relax
It’s stressful running a business, but it’s important to take the time to relax. The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll feel at work, and the more you’ll be able to accomplish. Working too much too often can result in burn out, which means you could feel sluggish for a long time if you don’t take care of yourself. Relaxing and recharging can take any form. If you enjoy physical activity like going on hikes, make time for it. If you enjoy reading, make sure to grab your favorite book a few times a week to unplug from work.
If you find yourself getting increasingly stressed, it could be because you’ve worked yourself too hard. Remember, you’re only human. Taking breaks is necessary for your health and your business’ survival.
Step 5: Find Your Perfect Routine
Everyone has a different way of doing things. Some are night owls and get their best work done at night, while others do better work in the early morning. No matter what times you prefer to do what activity, make sure that you find a routine that works for you. A night person may not want to go for a walk or hop on the elliptical at 7 a.m., but a morning person might. Routines help us manage our stress and our time so that we can set aside time for important aspects of our lives, whether that’s working, relaxing, or exercising.
