We all know that we should be living a healthy and active lifestyle, but it’s easy to dismiss the idea with the fact that running a business takes up most, if not all, of your time. Running a business can be so overwhelming that feels like there are never enough hours in a day. When this is the case, your health can often be left as the last thing on your priority list.
While you may be busy enough as it is, the truth is that if you put more importance on your health, your business life will actually benefit. The two main parts of living a healthy lifestyle is eating healthy and exercising. Some of the benefits of eating healthy and benefits of being active include:
- Better Mood
- Increased Energy
- Better Sleep
- Reduced Stress
- Positive Self-Esteem
- Being More Productive
- Living a Longer & Healthier Life
When you are healthy and active, you have more energy to complete the tasks that are required of you on a daily basis and you feel happier, so you can stay motivated throughout each day and enjoy the life you work for.
Sounds great doesn’t it? But maybe you still feel like you don’t have the time to devote to your health. Here’s some ideas for incorporating a healthier lifestyle into your busy work schedule:
1. Eat a Quick & Healthy Breakfast
Eating breakfast gives your body the fuel that it needs to get up and get the day going. When you’re racing out the door on an empty stomach, your body is running on low fuel so you can’t expect it to work at top notch. Your body and brain need fuel to get moving and thinking, so feed them. Breakfast doesn’t need to be an elaborate meal. Try some of these quick and easy healthy breakfast ideas that will fit into your busy morning.
2. Eat Small Snacks Throughout the Day
To maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day, fuel your body regularly. Eating multiple times during your day gives your body and brain constant nourishment, which will give you energy through the whole day. Do you feel tired in the afternoon because you skipped lunch? Your body is probably exhausted because you’re not giving it any fuel for energy. Do you feel sluggish after a big lunch? Too much food at one time can cause your body to devote a lot of energy on digesting. To keep your energy levels up, find a happy medium by eating small meals every few hours. Don’t have time to grab a snack? Follow the next tip for a solution!
3. Prepare Small Meals & Snacks in Advance
Getting a healthy meal can be difficult when you’re restricted to options near by, and prepping a healthy lunch each night can be time consuming. Save yourself some time by preparing your lunches for the week ahead of time. Sunday is usually a good day to devote an hour or two to making your lunches for the the week. This way all you have to do is grab what’s already prepared in the fridge and you’re good to go! With small snacks, you can take a 5 or 10 minute break to refuel, which will also give your mind a chance to rest and reset before you dive back into your work. Try these easy and healthy ideas for Sunday meal prep.
4. Add a Quick Workout To Your Morning or Lunch Hour
Exercising helps to boost your energy and your morale. Don’t have time to go to the gym before or after work? Try a combination of these Top 25 At Home Exercises into a 20-30 minute routine that you can add to your morning. This will help you feel more refreshed and alert when you start your day. Don’t want to let go of those precious 20 minutes of sleep in the morning? Try going to the gym on your lunch break. If your meals are prepped ahead of time then you can snack at your desk, and can squeeze in a quick workout in the afternoon. “Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn’t make you tired — it literally creates energy in your body. Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger,” says nutritionist Samantha Heller, MS, RD.
5. Schedule “You Time”
While you’re managing your business, you also need to devote time to taking care of yourself. You’re not a machine, you need some time to yourself and to enjoy the simple things in life or else you will eventually crash. Make it a priority to schedule some “you” time even if it is just an hour a week, to relax and do something you enjoy. This can be as simple as going for a walk, or enjoying a hobby like doing some yoga, painting, or building a model airplane – whatever gives you enjoyment that is also relaxing. By giving yourself time to be alone and enjoy a hobby or interest, you are taken away from the stresses and distractions of the world to simply enjoy living. You will find this will make you happier and more motivated to tackle your responsibilities. Dr. Mani explains on Entrepreneurs-Journey.com the Importance of Taking Time to Relax, and offer some suggestions of how to alleviate stress without sacrificing your business’s performance.
Improving your health doesn’t happen over night. It involves making small changes to your routine and slowly working your way up to bigger goals. Try implementing the above 5 tips for eating healthier and enjoy the benefits that come with living a healthy and active lifestyle.
