Posted by Beth Fillerup on Mon, Dec 28, 2009 @ 11:29 PM
By
Michael Gunther, President and Founder,
Collaboration LLC
We've all heard over and over again about the importance of exercising and eating healthy, specifically for reducing stress and maintaining overall health. And although I've heard it repeatedly, it was not until recently that I experienced the benefits first hand. It's not that I have ever been a gym rat or even very athletic - in fact, I have gone through many ups and downs with my exercise routines and eating habits. But this last year, I decided to change all that. I needed an outlet for my stress.
You know the stress I'm referring to - all the demands of running a business. The stress of never seeming to have enough time to do the things you want or even need to do for your business. The stress from not knowing if you can get the credit you need to grow your business. The stress of realizing your sales engine has to remain on full all year long just to sustain your revenue levels from previous years. The stress of having to make tough financial business decisions that will impact other people's lives.
Okay, so you get my point. As business owners, there's a lot that we can stress over.
While stress can be a big motivator for some people, I discovered that too much stress actually makes me a less effective leader and business owner. Mid-way through this last year, I knew that I had to make some changes to my lifestyle in order to be more effective in business. I decided to try living a healthy lifestyle and started focusing on a regular exercise routine and healthy eating regimen. The results? Great enough for me to encourage you - if you're feeling stressed - to try it out.
My new healthy lifestyle has allowed me to not only shed some extra pounds but also to focus on growing my business and achieving my goals in a positive and productive manner. Here are the details of what transpired:
Reduced Stress:
Beyond the physical benefits my new healthy routines have rewarded me, I have been amazed at how my stress levels have tremendously reduced. I can't stress enough (yes, pun intended) how this has positively enriched every aspect of my day. I have a clearer mind on how to deal with issues that arise within my business.
Improved Productivity:
As business owners, we have a lot of demands placed on our time. From personal experience, I can tell you that it is imperative to find ways to release the stress that results from these demands. On days that I don't exercise, I feel less balanced and prepared to face the day. When I do exercise, I notice that I have increased energy towards projects and my time is spent more productively.
Oh, and Less Weight:
There are two pictures in my column today. In the new picture (far right), I am actually more than 25 pounds lighter than I was when I took the old picture (far left). And because of all the other benefits living healthier has rewarded me, taking the weight off has been a real benefit - both literally and figuratively.
The Bottom Line
As business owners, our list of tasks will always exist and there will always be tasks to fill our day (and more). Make the commitment and the time to live a healthy lifestyle; you will find your time is spent more effectively and in higher spirits. Start making time for your health today - both you and your business will feel the benefits.
Do you have a plan to make a health shift this year? Leave us a comment about what you plan to do to reduce your stress/ start a healthy lifestyle.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.