How to Stay Healthy as a Busy Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, you are likely juggling a lot of responsibilities while playing more than one role in your business. Too often, this leaves entrepreneurs exhausted and on the brink of burnout. 

You must stay on top of your health, not only for your success but for your business too. A well-functioning, active mind, and body can contribute to better attention, focus, and business decisions. If you fail to look after your health, it could have detrimental impacts on your business. 

Here are 7 ways you can look after yourself and stay healthy as a busy entrepreneur. 

#1 Regularly take a break 

It is easy when running your own business to take on too much and not make time for a break. It can be hard when you have tight deadlines to meet, but if you don’t regularly take breaks, your body will force you to when it burns out. Taking a break means your mind and body have time to recover, which can result in optimal performance and increased productivity. Find a balance between work and rest that can be sustained long term. 

#2 Spend your breaks wisely 

You might be taking regular breaks, but if you are not spending them wisely, it can be just as detrimental. Make sure your breaks from your business mean fully disconnecting. It can be helpful to find a mindful activity that you can incorporate into your breaks, to give your mind a rest, as well as your body. This can be anything from reading, walking, or meditation. Taking a step back also helps spark new ideas and look at things with a fresh perspective.

#3 Exercise regularly 

No matter how busy you are, exercise should be a priority. Exercise does not have to be hours, it can be in shorter bursts throughout the week, for example, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Exercise is a great way to release stress, increase endorphins, improve cognitive function to keep your judgment skills sharp, and helps manage your mental health. 

#4 Eat healthily

It is all too common when running a business, to reach for fast food and microwave meals. While it is a convenient and time-saving option for the busy entrepreneur, it not only costs you more money but can also cost your health. There is no need for extreme diets, but eliminating processed food and incorporating a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, and legumes into your diet can improve your mood, memory, energy levels, and brain health. Remember that food is fuel for your mind and body. 

#5 Get a regular checkup 

To avoid any long-term health issues, you must get a regular checkup with your doctor. This can help you prevent any issues before they become a problem. Doctors can keep an eye on your heart health, blood pressure, and weight to help detect issues early on, as well as advise on the best foods, supplements, and exercise regimes for you. Doctors can also assist with ways to best manage any problems you currently have. Some of the most common problems with busy entrepreneurs are burnout, exhaustion, anxiety, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. Your doctor will be able to help you manage these symptoms and advise on the best way to fix them, for example, with the use of amazing adaptogenic herbs for adrenal fatigue

#6 Quality sleep 

The amount of sleep you get is important, but it is useless if there is a lack of quality. Aim to get 6-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is crucial for recharging your brain and having the energy and brain capacity to tackle a full day at work. It is too easy for an entrepreneur to compromise on sleep to meet tight deadlines. You must manage your time wisely and prioritize getting high-quality sleep every night. To improve the quality of your sleep, it is advised that you turn off electronic devices at least an hour before you sleep and minimize disturbances. 

#7 Regularly review what is not working for you 

When it comes to implementing healthy habits, it is easy to pick one and hope for the best. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to health, and there is not a “one size that fits all” approach. It is therefore important that you regularly check in with yourself, to see what habits are working and which ones are not. This enables you to give new habits a chance, as well as change up what is not working for you so you can make room for something that will. It may take some time but will make a difference when you find ones that impact you positively. 

Being healthy might not be the first thing on your list when running a business, but it certainly needs to move to the top if you want to be successful.