For many business professionals, life consists of an endless routine of work, sleep, and not much else. Though this may help check items off the to-do list, it doesn’t promote physical or mental health. If you’re the driving force behind your company, your lack of self-care will eventually take a toll on your business as well as your body. Below are a few tips to help you create boundaries between your work and personal life, set a sustainable pace, and stay healthy for yourself and your business.
Draw a line between work and home- and stick to it
One of the biggest impacts on mental and physical health is the negative habit of bringing work home with you. When you step through the door of your house, everything from work should be figuratively dropped on your doorstep. This is your time to unwind, relax, and allow your mind to focus on other, non-work topics. Spend time with your friends and family, enjoy a hobby, or unwind with your favorite show. Whatever you choose to do, make sure work doesn’t creep into it. Turn off work alerts on your phone, ignore any business calls that come in after hours, and do NOT pick up your computer to send that last email. Support your mental health by checking out from work until you step out the door again the next morning.
For those business owners or entrepreneurs who work from home, the same rules apply. Choose a designated place in your home that is for work only and leave it at the end of the day just as you would an office. Keep your work and personal spaces separate inside your house to give your mind a break from work-related thoughts and feelings when you’re off the clock.
Exercise
As cliché as it may sound, exercise is one of the best ways to combat work-related stress both mentally and physically. An article published by the American Psychological Association explains the relationship between exercise and brain chemistry. According to the article, studies show that exercise increases the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that regulates the release of other stress-regulating hormones. The article also says that exercise creates physical stress which the body then learns to cope with by coordinating work between the different body systems. This helps the body respond to stress more effectively not just during exercise, but during normal daily events as well. Over time, exercise teaches the body how to respond appropriately to stress thus reducing the intensity of the response.
In other words, teach your body to deal with life’s strain while also providing stress relief by exercising regularly. Attach your workout to your lunch hour or hit the gym before or after work at least three times a week in order to bring down stress levels and reduce their harmful effects.
Find a hobby and enjoy it frequently
You know the saying about “all work and no play…” It might have made Jack a dull boy back in the day but now it can make him unhealthy too. Your off hours should be tempered with something you love to do. Here’s a brief list of a few hobbies you might like to explore:
- Martial arts
- Painting
- Crafts
- Playing an instrument
- Playing a sport
- Hiking/outdoor activities
- Listening to music
- Reading
- Meditating
- Yoga
- Traveling
- Boating/water sports
- Fishing
Almost anything you love can be turned into a hobby so explore your interests and make time to pursue them. If you have family responsibilities as well as work, wait until the kids are in bed or take turns with your partner so you both have time to enjoy your hobbies. Maintaining a life outside of work will help keep you physically and mentally balanced.
Eat Healthy
Power your body with healthy food choices so you have the energy and stamina you need to get through your busy day. Avoid foods that are high in trans fats like donuts and fried foods. Though these may be a convenient on-the-go meal, they contribute to brain fog and lethargy. A Harvard Medical School publication also links them with inflammation and a higher risk of insulin resistance. Steer clear of these health-destroying convenience foods and instead reach for fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and lean protein. Make a fruit and spinach smoothie for breakfast then grab a chicken salad for lunch. And of course, drink plenty of water. These types of healthy choices will provide your body with the fuel it needs to think clearly and function efficiently through every step of your busy day.
Taking shortcuts in your daily routine in order to accomplish a couple more business goals may seem tempting, but they will hurt you in the long run. Keep your business healthy by keeping your mind and body healthy by following these simple tips each day.