Your Health Affects Your Business [And How to Take Better Care Of Yourself]
Solopreneurs face the risk of becoming unhealthy. Because we run the show by ourselves, we tend to be so hardworking that we neglect basic self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, eating the right food, and exercising.
The demands imposed on a solopreneur can force him to skip breaks.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Health affects all areas of your life - yes, including your solopreneur business.
When you’re in good health, you’re able to think clearly, make good decisions, and better control your emotions. It’s easy to take for granted the fact that health drives performance, but wait until you have the flu for a week. Or worse, get stuck in the ICU.
Today, let’s discuss simple health tips you can follow despite the daily grind. You don’t need the P90X workout or become a vegan to add more years to your business.
Wake up earlier.
Little do we know that the time in which we wake up impacts our health. Being an early riser sure has a lot of advantages. For one, being ahead of everybody else means that you get more things done. This gives you more time to unwind and relax hours before the day ends. Second, waking up early grants you the opportunity to indulge in a workout which you’re less likely to cancel or reschedule.
Read More: Practical Steps to Having More Productive Solopreneur Mornings
Stock up on healthy snacks.
A lot of individuals who work from home tend to graze throughout the day. When you need a bite, make sure you don’t sabotage your health by stocking your kitchen with smart snacks. I would recommend natural food choices as they supply your body with nutrients without sending your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster ride. Here are some great options (and they’re super easy to prepare):
- Apple with almond butter
- Strawberries or blueberries with regular yogurt
- Cucumber slices with ranch dip
- Almonds
- Hard-boiled eggs
Delegate tasks to release stress.
When your schedules get too tight, you must be willing to embrace delegation. At some point in solopreneurship, delegation no longer becomes an option - if you want your business to keep growing. Instead of viewing delegation in a negative light (trust issues, I know), think of it as a way to have more time for yoga, running, meal preparation, or sleep.
Last week, I shared about free time as the most valuable thing you can buy with money. This is why hiring a freelancer (who has your best interests) is definitely worth considering.
Read More: 9 Things You Can Outsource When Running an Online Business
Make the most of your downtime.
So you scheduled a vacation to take a break from work. But here you are, still checking and answering emails. Make sure that you use your downtime in a way that allows you to fully recharge and completely let go of mental and emotional stress. Keep that special time sacred because your health and well-being depends on it.
Do something for yourself that you wouldn’t be able to do on regular days - such as hiking with a family member or friend, swimming at the beach, or practicing Qigong.
Read More: Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time: The Secret to Productivity
How are you taking care of your health today? Solopreneurship can be so much fun when your mind and body can function at their best. :)