Fall is the season to be active—not only is autumn the time for us to root for our favorite pro, college, and high school football teams, but this cool season is also the perfect time for outdoor jogging, dog-walking in the park, and, of course, the strenuous activity of raking leaves. Many entrepreneurs struggle to find enough free time to spend with family and friends, let alone incorporate exercise into their daily lives. Interestingly enough, exercise and keeping an eye on ones physical health is a key component to an entrepreneur and small business owner’s success.
Entrepreneurs tend to cure their lack of sleep and poor nutrition with caffeine, sugar, and power bars instead of the much healthier options such as sleep, exercise, a proper diet, and regular checkups. The latter options provide essential energy that an entrepreneur needs in order to remain active throughout a typical workday. In order to improve ones physical health during this active season, take these necessary steps. Who knows—these actions may not only improve your physical health, but may enhance the successes of your company.
1. Monitor your sleep. Monitor how much sleep you are currently getting, then increase this sleep time in half-hour increments until you reach seven or eight hours. Studies show that getting the same amount of sleep every night is healthier than getting five hours a night during the week and then eleven on the weekends to balance things out.
2. Read before you sleep. Reading fiction or poetry before you sleep can help calm your body down and turn you away from lingering thoughts of work.
3. Embrace exercise. Finding a form of exercise that works for you is critical. Exercise in a way that you can enjoy—this can come in the form of Pilates, yoga, aerobics, biking, running, even sports. Shoot for exercise three times a week, and work up from there. Weekends are the perfect opportunity to up your exercise regimens.
4. Use a pedometer. Ever wonder how far you walk in a typical workday? The amount may actually surprise you. By substituting the stairs for the elevator and a further parking space than a close one, you will already improve your steps per day, and therefore, your physical health.
5. Work and workout simultaneously. When walking, jogging, or biking, it is possible to listen to business tapes or even read a business magazine at the same time. Combining the two can make you feel that you exercise time is for your work, not a break from it.
6. Take your vitamins! Mother knows best—from zinc to iron, your body needs essential vitamins in order to remain in tip-top shape. Instead of grabbing the 5-hour energy shot in the afternoon, go for an energy bar, juice, or even a walk.
7. Get checkups. By establishing personal relationships with doctors and their receptionists, quick and painless checkups will be easy to obtain. Aim for morning visits since doctors fall behind later in the day (by the way, autumn is usually the best time to see the doctor because their schedules are lighter!)
Just because your workday is busy, doesn’t mean that your physical health needs to suffer the consequences. By incorporating these seven steps each workweek, you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
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