Healthy Businesses Need Healthy Leaders

BY BILL JANESHAK, DC, CCST

Leadership is a crucial aspect of running a successful business as it determines the direction and success of the company. As such, it is common for business leaders to prioritize their work above their own health, leading to a range of physical and mental health issues.

However, effective business leadership and good health are not mutually exclusive. Rather, prioritizing one’s health will lead to improved performance and decision-making abilities, ultimately benefiting the company as well.

There are several ways in which business leaders can prioritize health and still maintain demanding schedules. As a matter of fact, you must have the physical (and mental) energy needed to execute tasks consistently when you have a demanding schedule.

The most effective way to do this is through regular exercise. It can boost your mood while also reducing stress and increasing energy levels, which are essential for effective leadership.

In addition, exercise can also improve sleep, balance blood sugar, and regulate hormones, all of which are crucial for both physical and mental health. Together, these would result in a stronger body, brain, and mind, reinforcing your decision-making muscle.

Take a Step Back To Step Forward

In addition to exercise, it is important for business leaders to prioritize selfcare. This can include activities such as meditation, yoga, or even taking time to relax and disconnect from work.

Taking breaks to recharge can improve productivity and decision-making abilities as well as prevent burnout. Exercise and diet can be considered as the accelerators of the body, while meditation, yoga, and sleep are more like the brakes. You need both of these to navigate the treacherous roads of business most efficiently.

Another way to prioritize health as a business leader is to prioritize a healthy work-life balance. This can involve setting boundaries and making time for personal pursuits and relationships outside work.

It is important to remember that work is just one aspect of life and should not consume all of one’s time and energy. While successful leaders are almost always healthfully committed to their work (that’s why they are successful), it’s important to balance that with activities that work other portions of their brain.

The effect is the same if you went to the gym and only worked out one side of your body. You would look awesome from one angle, but in truth, you would be weaker overall. Anything off balance can be easily toppled by the slightest of movement, and this applies to both your body and business.

Health and Productivity are Contagious

Just like an illness that can wreak

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