A healthy you = a healthy business. But that’s easier said than done. Follow these tips to squeeze health and fitness into your schedule.
By Jillian Lorenz and Ariana Chernin (Founders & CEOs, Barre Bee Fit)
As entrepreneurs and startup leaders, we subject ourselves to a variety of unhealthy habits: Lack of sleep, over-extension and stress, and inconsistent diet and exercise regimens. While we may not want to admit it, these burdens can affect more than just the bags under our eyes or the size of our waistlines — in fact, we’re likely impacting the one thing we’re working so hard to perfect: Our business.
Countless studies have linked healthy diets and regular exercise to increased mental agility and overall productivity, arguably two of the most important skills for an entrepreneur. Why, then, do we choose to put our health on hold, opting to “do it later” or point to our rolodex of excuses when the importance is so very clear?
Physical activity boasts benefits such as improving your mood, clearing your mind, and offering a natural state for meditation — all of which are key ingredients to being your freshest, best self.
As fitness experts and entrepreneurs of our own boutique fitness brand, we know firsthand the difficulty in maintaining healthy lifestyle habits when stressed and over-extended. To combat this constant conundrum, we compiled a number of our own tips and remedies to help you find this balance.
1. Get an Early Start
You likely already wake up early, but this also means you should be going to bed at a reasonable hour, allowing your mornings to be a time to focus on yourself.
Meditation and movement is one of the best ways to start your morning. We recommend doing five sets of one minute plank holds – an energizing and mentally engaging way to start your day. Mornings are also a great time for your workout. This routine gives you energy to start your day. Plus, exercising in the morning is like taking a shower: Beneficial and best of all, checked off of your to-do list.
2. Plan Ahead for Moments of Snacking Desperation
Prepare a variety of healthy snacks at the beginning of each week. Bags of almonds, fresh produce and hard boiled eggs are great ways to tide you over should meetings run late throughout the day. This also ensures that when you do sit down for a meal, that you’re not overeating.
3. Sneak in Mini Workouts
If you’re unable to fit a workout into your morning routine, find ways to sneak in mini-workouts throughout the day.
Take five-minute breaks to do tricep dips and pushups next to your desk; you work not only your arms, but also your legs and core! If that doesn’t work, take your conference calls standing or go on walks during brainstorms with team members.
4. Drink Water — Lots of It
Always stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep a water bottle at home and at work so you’re never without access to one.
5. Push out the Stress
De-stress with a series of push-ups. When you’re engaging a series of muscles to perform a specific action, your shift your focus. These are the perfect remedy after receiving a less-than-pleasant email or phone call.
