Image via Death to the Stock Photo
One thing we all have in common as women in business is that there are only 24 hours in the day.
Admittedly, it can be totally overwhelming to fit everything into this 24-hour time frame. I mean, really, it's a lot to keep on top of emails, get the kids to school, make dinner, plan your next marketing move and clean the toilet (it's not all glamorous) all in one day, right?
But an important aspect of making sure that all those things get done, is giving yourself permission to take care of your businesses' number one asset -- YOU!
Here are the top five healthy habits for women in business.
1. Eat Well.
As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, this is non-negotiable. The food you put in your body is the foundation of your health, and let's get real here, your health is everything. Make it a priority to invest the time and effort to eat real food, so you can have real energy. You will notice the benefits in so many areas of your life.
2. Take "You Time."
I challenge you right now to plan an hour this week to disconnect from everything and everyone, and do something that you want to do. I know, it's hard. But do it. Go for a walk in nature. Book a massage appointment. Read a book. You know all those gift cards you're hoarding? Go spend them! When you take "you time," you are recharging your batteries so that you can be more present for your business partners, spouse, children, friends, but most importantly, yourself. You deserve it.
3. Move Your Body.
I hesitate to use the word exercise, because a lot of people associate that with having to be a member at a gym. That's not the case. The key is to find what you love doing (walking, jumping on a trampoline -- that's one of the things I do, no joke -- yoga, cross-fit, biking, whatever). Just do it. And enjoy it.
4. Give Thanks.
Cheesy quote moment: "Gratitude is the attitude." Let me tell you, this approach to life is true. For the next week, I challenge you to make a conscious effort to give thanks everyday. My favorite time to do this is when I'm lying in bed, about to go to sleep. I review my day and pinpoint all the things I am grateful for. Yesterday, this included (but wasn't limited to) my delicious morning herbal tea, watching the movie Zoolander (for the first time in 10 years -- still hilarious) the 30 minutes I spent reading an amazing book and the Black-Eyed-Susans growing in my garden. Anything goes.
5. Connect with other business women.
In general, when you connect with women who "get" the life of being your own boss, good things happen. Whether it's them helping you through your latest business issue, or chatting about the sweet thing your partner did for you on the weekend. Sharing your ups and downs with other business women can be rewarding and inspiring.
Your action item:
Which of these five things do you need to focus on the most? Start by adding that into your daily routine. Commit to implementing it in your life for the next week. Once that becomes a regular habit, choose something else to add in.
And, in time, watch the benefits appear in both your personal and business life. Promise.
