Running a small business isn’t a 9 to 5 job, and often times it’s easy to let your health fall by the wayside. However, if you continue to put the company first and your own health second, you’ll eventually burn out. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will keep you feeling healthy, so you can focus on running your business.
1. Start eating regular, balanced meals
All small business owners will understand this one. When you’re running low on fumes, you probably turn to a snack out of the vending machine, a coffee from a local shop, or a large soda to give you a much needed boost.
Yet those exact vices are causing just as much harm as they are helping. A quick energy boost always leads to an eventual crash. So start replacing these items with lots of water and healthy, regular and balanced meals. You’ll soon start seeing your energy levels are more balanced, rather than bursts of energy followed by crashes.
2. Set aside time for exercise – during business hours, if necessary
We get it – as a business owner, you don’t have much free time. Still, carving out a few moments to protect your own health is a necessity. It doesn’t have to be much – a 20-minute run prior to your lunch hour or taking your dog for a walk before dinner is more than enough. That time may seem inconvenient, but it won’t seem that way when you’re finding yourself in better spirits – and better health – throughout each work day.
3. Take breaks from your computer
Staring at your computer all day long? If so, you’re probably not blinking nearly enough – that can cause eye strain, dry-eye and numerous other complications. Troubling as it may be, if you’re not taking five minutes off for each hour you spend staring at a computer, you’re likely causing major eyesight problems for yourself. So keep an eye on the clock when you’re working on the computer – and take as many breaks as possible.
4. Schedule time away from work
We know that as a small business owner, you’re likely thinking about your business at all hours of the day. However, it’s important to take breaks every so often to keep your mind fresh. Even if it’s only for an hour, carve out time during each day during which you don’t think about your business. It doesn’t matter if you spend this time taking a walk, watching a movie, leisurely eating your dinner, or anything else – but it’s essential to the health of your business that you separate yourself from your business every so often.