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 havoc on a business through close contact, so can health and productivity. When a leader is healthy, fit, and energetic, the people around the leader will follow suit.

Jim Rohn’s quote, “you are the average of the five people you associate with the most, “ definitely applies here. We spend much of our day with our workmates and are influenced by them. As a health-conscious business leader, you can influence them through your mere presence.

Business leaders can also prioritize the health of their employees by creating a healthy work environment. This can include providing access to healthy food options, encouraging regular breaks and physical activity, and promoting a positive work culture. When employees feel supported and healthy, they are more likely to be productive and committed to the company.

Business is a Mental Game Too

In addition to the physical health benefits, prioritizing physical wellness can also have positive effects on mental health. Chronic stress and burnout are common issues among business leaders, which can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. They are signs that you’re not using your mental powers efficiently.

Stress doesn’t allow you to access the higher-thinking parts of your brain. No matter how hard you work, you won’t be able to make those decisions that will move the needle in the direction you want.

Frustration can lead to poor decisions, poor decisions to poor outcomes, and poor outcomes to burnout. By prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy worklife balance, business leaders can reduce their risk of developing these issues or circumvent them altogether.

In conclusion, business leadership and health are not mutually exclusive. Instead, prioritizing one’s health can lead to improved performance and decisionmaking abilities, ultimately benefiting the company as well.

By incorporating regular exercise, self-care, and a healthy work-life balance into their daily routine, business leaders can prioritize their health and still be effective in their roles. Additionally, creating a healthy work environment for employees can benefit the individual and the company.

To Up Your Game Even More

Incorporating chiropractic care and massage into a business leader’s healthcare routine can have numerous benefits. Chiropractic care and massage are forms of alternative medicine that do not only focus on the treatment of neuromuscular disorders such as neck pain, back pain, and headaches.

Both have been proven effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and reducing the need for medications. In addition, they have been shown to effectively balance the nervous system by turning off the stress response, increasing immunity, and aiding in digestion.

One of the main benefits of chiropractic care is its ability to reduce stress on the body. Business leaders often have demanding schedules and are at risk of developing musculoskeletal issues due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing, as well as physical stress from travel. Chiropractic care can help to alleviate these issues altogether and prevent them from returning.

In addition to its physical benefits, chiropractic care and massage can positively affect mental health. They are effective at reducing anxiety and depression as well as improving sleep quality. These factors can all contribute to improved overall health and well-being.

Incorporating Chiropractic care and massage can be a valuable addition to a business leader’s healthcare routine. By finding a reputable chiropractor and discussing any concerns or preexisting conditions, business leaders can effectively incorporate chiropractic care and massage into their healthcare and productivity routine.

In conclusion, business leadership and health are not mutually exclusive. Prioritizing one’s health will lead to improved performance and decisionmaking abilities, ultimately benefiting the company.

By incorporating regular exercise, self-care, and a healthy work-life balance into their daily routine, business leaders can prioritize their health and still be effective in their roles. Additionally, creating a healthy work environment for employees can benefit the individual and the company.

About the author:

Dr. Bill Janeshak is a Health and Fitness Expert, Best Selling Author, Keynote and Educational Speaker, as well as a Clinic Director of Yorba Linda Family Chiropractic. His practice is a scientifically based holistic practice focusing on root cause issues using his advanced degrees in Neurology, Nutrition, Functional Medicine, and Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation.

Taking his passion for health and fitness out of the office, Dr. Janeshak regularly participates in Triathlons, Crossfit, mountain biking, and other physical challenges to make sure that he practices what he preaches. He may be reached through Facebook at Bill Janeshak and Yorba Linda Family Chiropractic, or via Instagram at b_janeshak.