When trying to run a business, it can be difficult to make time for exercising and eating right, but by not taking care of yourself, you could be doing your company a disservice. Physical health can impact every area of business, whether you realize it or not. You can have an entire list of goals, but you might struggle to meet them by neglecting your health. If you’d still rather prioritize your business over your needs, here are five reasons why your physical health is important for your business and why you should consider making some changes.
1. Improved Sleep
It’s become a badge of honor to only get a few hours of sleep a night, but this can be a problem for a few reasons. Regular sleep deprivation can range from a minor inconvenience to being downright dangerous. A lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of injury and chronic diseases. You might experience mood changes, issues with memory, a lack of concentration, and even weakened immunity. Inconsistent sleep can mess with other systems in your body, leading to chemical imbalances that can lead to weight gain or even heart disease. When you treat your body right with food, exercise, and a consistent sleeping schedule, you help your body recover and prepare for the day ahead.
2. Better Focus and Productivity
Prioritizing your health also results in better focus, which in turn results in better productivity. It may seem like a pain to seek out healthy foods and make time for exercise, but a clear head can save you time by helping you complete tasks correctly and efficiently the first time. Now imagine a whole office of people with better focus! Exercise and diet are a great starting point, but what if you struggle to get all of the nutrients you need in a diet alone? Eating better doesn’t have to mean spending hours preparing your food, and there’s no reason to eat food you hate just to get some extra vitamins in. Something like Le-vel Thrive can help you fill the gaps quickly and easily.
3. Better Stress Management
When you take care of yourself, your body is better prepared to manage stress. Stress is nearly impossible to avoid, even outside of the workplace, but healthy habits can help mitigate negative effects. Regular exercise, stretching, and rest can help relieve tension. Your diet can help you during stressful events by providing energy, but some healthy foods can even help manage your cortisol levels over time. When your body is better prepared to handle busy seasons at work, your recovery time will be shorter and easier.
4. Fewer Absences
Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to weakened immune systems, which increases the likelihood of catching illnesses. It can even lead to an increased risk of injury or chronic illnesses. All of these conditions may mean more absences at work, putting a dent in your productivity and output. Physical health heavily impacts mental health as well, and things like depression and burnout can put you or your employees on the sidelines indefinitely. Lifestyle changes might not fix mental health issues, but they can be a huge part of treatment and often help alleviate many symptoms.
5. More Energy
When you prioritize your physical health, you’re likely to experience more energy and a better mood on a consistent basis. Exercising often increases blood flow and hormone production, boosting your metabolism and allowing your body to better utilize the fat and sugars in your diet. Not only will you have more energy to spend running your business, but also on hobbies, family time, or other activities you enjoy that are crucial to a balanced life.
It’s so easy to get caught up in hustle culture, but focusing on your general wellbeing can benefit you in so many ways, including benefits for your business. Spending more time dedicated to your health can help you live longer, happier, and with a thriving company.
