Is there really a correlation between improved lifestyle and improvement for business?
You would have thought so, right? Of course there is a correlation with good lifestyle and its overall potential impact on business. So why is it that we get into this “I don’t want to know mode” and adapt to fast unhealthy innutritious foods.
If the why is strong enough, actions for the transformation start to shape up. Finding the deeper “why” begins to be crucial which enables a longer term and consistent level of commitment to drive effort, focus and action.
How do we simplify the lifestyle choice to encourage us and find the compelling reason “why”. If the Why is strong enough, the more likelihood there is for the results to follow through? Everyone’s “why” is going to be different depending on circumstances but finding this is critical for longer term improved results.
Here are a few useful lifestyle tips for leaders that encourage better results for businesses..
Food
Avoiding high starch, high calorie foods and wheat-based products as well hydrogenated fats that are artificially saturated to enable longer food shelf life, need to be avoided. These products can result in fatigue, lower mental performance which reflects in the poor, delayed quality of business thinking. All hydrogenated products, high sugar, high calorie etc foods, can cause chronic inflammation, heart disease, digestive problems and weight gain to name a few. Dr Gillian McKeith sums it up perfectly in her publication “you are what you eat”.
Exercise
On a regular basis, with a plan can have tremendous impact on both body and mind. Yoga has several proven benefits for improving overall health and focus if adapted on a regular basis. There are several Asanas (poses) that allow for better flow for oxygen through the body which results in a calmer and more focussed, refreshed and creative approach.
Meditation
Imagine being on a long journey and then being able to switch off and recharge. Meditation is able to this, and a lot more, enabling improved decision making and clarity in thoughts.
Sleep
A good quality sleep is critical for a successful day ahead, enabling the body and the mind to be refreshed and charged. There are techniques for deeper, improved sleeping such as Nidra style yogic sleeping.
Friendships, circle of trust
Being able to talk and gain advice where necessary, as well as offer advice, enables a more improved way to be creative and allows for better decision making.
Connection with nature
Being outside has many benefits. Here are some of the science-backed reasons to spend more time outdoors
- Improvement of memory
- De-stressing effect
- Illuminate fatigue, depression and anxiety
- Improve focus
- Lower blood pressure and boost the immune system etc.
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7?r=UK&IR=T
So, what really gets us taking action?
- Simplifying tasks, making the healthy option approach “a simple long-term choice”
- Having the knowledge about what is good for your health and mental fitness?
- Having the tools to encourage us to become fitter. For example, healthy smoothies or juices that can be made in a Vitamix (a blender) in under a minute.
- Being accountable and committed to someone.
- Having a fitness group or friend that you work out with you.
- Noticing and experiencing the smaller wins as soon as they occur/develop.
- Having a plan!!
A study by Jim McKenna, a British researcher, showed that after exercising participants returned to work more tolerant of themselves and more forgiving of their colleagues. The study goes on to conclude that “work performance was consistently higher, time management skills improved, as did mental sharpness”.
All it takes is investing 3 – 4 sessions a week, approximately 30 minutes each, to experience these benefits. Combine strength training and cardiovascular exercise, along with sound nutrition to rev up your mental sharpness, enhance your productivity, elevate your mood, better manage stress and simply feel good. As your fitness level increases, it is likely your business will be a success too!
