In the high-pressure world of business ownership, it’s easy to become so focused on daily tasks, targets, and team management that you forget one crucial element: you. Managing well-being as a business owner isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Without a healthy, energised, and clear-minded version of you at the helm, your business will eventually feel the strain.
The foundation of long-term success lies in the strength of the person leading the charge. And that means looking after your physical, emotional, and mental health like it’s your most important investment—because it is.
The Importance of Nutrition
Good nutrition fuels your body and mind. Think of good food as petrol or diesel, providing the energy needed to tackle daily challenges. Eating a balanced diet helps improve cognitive function like mood and overall health, allowing you to approach business decisions with clarity and confidence. Certain foods ain’t called brain food for nothing!
One dietary approach that has gained recognition for its numerous health benefits is the diet we consume at home, the Mediterranean diet. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This diet promotes heart health and reduces inflammation—critical for maintaining the stamina needed for entrepreneurship.
Everyone is different but for me this diet gives me so much more energy. It breaks my heart to say it, but Indian or chinese food is now foreign to me. I simply can’t eat them anymore, unless I am content to be lethargic, sore guts and tired the following day. Sometimes I do just say F-IT and chomp into my favourite Vindaloo!!
The Power of Exercise
I was never a fan of the gym, but my Life Coach suggested I find a gym that aligns with me. It’s clear that I am NOT that guy who enjoys boring free weights and flexing his muscles. However, I do enjoy something interactive. So when I noticed my local gym had installed new equipment, I went along for a look and it’s brilliant. All machines are interactive and show you how your tempo etc. is. There’s an app which shows you how much you done and what machine to go to next. It works for me and I now enjoy the gym (can’t believe I am saying that!).
Regular physical activity not only improves your physical health, but also enhances mental well-being (for me this is the biggest benefit). Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety, which can be particularly beneficial during tough business moments. Incorporating movement into your day doesn’t require an intense workout regimen; even simple activities like walking or yoga can make a significant difference.
Hillwalking is a brilliant all round exercise and great for the mind. I love it and recently on my 44th Birthday, I climbed Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. If you had mentioned to me 10 years ago spending my birthday hiking up and down a hill for 7 hours, I would have suggested you go and take a F at yourself, preferring to reach for a cold pint of Tennents.
Establishing Effective Routines
My morning routine is far more than my evening routine, but I do both religiously every single day. This involves a 1% improvement in Tradecoach. Every day I make Tradecoach 1% better (today it’s writing this blog post). I love this part of my morning routine. It will be followed by a walk with the dogs, an ice bath, I will make my bed (well), and meditate or do breath work for 5 minutes max. Then it’s off to the gym or golf if I am not working.
If I am working, I will factor in time for one of these activities later in the day or evening. Sometimes though life takes over and I go golf range instead in the evening. Sometimes, I just don’t have the time or energy for any and that’s ok too.
My Top 3 Health Hacks
Now that we understand the importance of self-care, let’s dive into my top three health hacks that have helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep my business thriving.
1. Oura Ring
One of my favorite tools for health monitoring is the Oura Ring. This innovative device tracks your sleep, activity, and readiness levels, providing insights into how well you’re taking care of yourself. The data it provides can help you understand when you’re functioning at your best and when you need to slow down. By focusing on your recovery, you can optimise your performance in both your personal life and your business. I love my Oura!
2. Ice Baths
While it may sound daunting, incorporating ice baths into my routine has been a game changer. Cold exposure not only aids in recovery and reduces inflammation, but it also boosts mood and energy levels. The shock of the cold can help sharpen your focus and increase resilience, making you better equipped to handle the challenges of running a business, my theory here has always been that IF I can submerge my whole body in ice cold water at 7am I can do anything that day – nothing is gonna be as bad as that.
3. Mediterranean Diet
As mentioned earlier, I’ve found that adhering to the Mediterranean diet has profoundly impacted my health. It’s not just about eating well; it’s about creating a lifestyle centered around wholesome foods that nourish both body and mind. With plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, this diet helps keep energy levels stable and for me personally I just feel better, less bloated, more energy and just better – find what diet works for you**
I did do the Zoe.com trial which helped me figure out what my body likes.
Taking care of yourself is not just a personal obligation; it’s a business strategy. By prioritising your health through good nutrition, exercise, and structured routines, you’re laying the groundwork for success. Remember, a thriving business starts with a thriving you. Embrace these health hacks, and watch how they transform not only your well-being but also the trajectory of your business. Let’s commit to investing in ourselves; our businesses—and our future selves—depend on it.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to incorporate these practices into your routine, feel free to reach out here! Like business I love talking wellbeing and whilst I am not a recognised life coach I do enjoy helping my clients reach not only business goals but personal goals too…
TRADECOACH
