There’s an English proverb: Health is better than wealth. I submit that for small business owners, wealth is difficult to achieve without health. A small business owner’s health is critical to the success of the business. For small businesses, there aren’t departments or lots of employees to handle the various aspects of conducting business. The owner usually is responsible for the bulk of revenue, as well as decision-making, customer relations, financial matters, and the company culture. Yes, businesses can run when an owner is laid up (at least for the short term). But there’s just too much to oversee and be involved in to let an owner’s poor health get in the way. So, how do you feel today?
1. Assess your health
Where do you stand now—physically and mentally? Do you need to lose some weight? To you need to begin or change an exercise program? Are you reaching the burnout point? Prioritize your health. If you don’t know the status of your health, consider scheduling a visit to your primary care doctor and find out. Don’t delay annual visits to the dentist, eye doctor, and routine medical tests (e.g., mammograms). Make the time to get a handle on your health.
2. Get enough sleep
While there are numerous stories about entrepreneurs who sleep only a few hours a night (e.g., Indra Nooyi, former PepsiCo CEO, was known to sleep only 4 hours a night; Elon Musk claimed to work straight for 3 or 4 days at a time), most people need 7 or 8 hours daily. Getting sufficient sleep contributes to mental clarity and physical stamina. The vast majority (82%) of business owners lost sleep because of work-related concerns but strive for solid sleep.
3. Plan a summer vacation
Now’s the time to be thinking of getting away for R&R this summer. The benefits of a vacation from a health perspective have been well documented. Vacations help to break the “stress cycle.” Whether you plan a two-week vacation or just a long-weekend getaway, the earlier you plan, the easier it will be on your business.
4. Kick a bad habit
It’s all too easy to fall into bad practices in our personal lives, especially when we’re so busy at work and just try to cope. Some may drink a little too much; others may stay up too late and fail to get enough sleep. Be honest about your bad habit and resolve to make changes. If necessary, get professional help.
5. Manage stress
It goes without saying (but I’m saying it anyway) that running a business is a highly stressful endeavor. Owners need to find ways to manage their stress, such as meditation or exercise. You may remember that Steve Jobs was all about mindfulness to calm his negative energies. The CDC lists various strategies for managing stress.
6. Get help
Whether it’s help in conducting business (e.g., another employee; outside contractors) or help with your health, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. You may need a therapist if you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues or a life coach to help you keep work and your personal life in balance.
7. Use technology wisely
AI and tech can be extremely helpful in running a business (Adobe reports that 2 in 5 entrepreneurs saved time by incorporating new AI tools), but it shouldn’t run your life. For example, use technology to automate repetitive tasks. But unplug in the evening or while on vacation to turn off your business focus for a short time.
8. Just say no
Small business owners are doers, and many have a hard time turning down requests for participating in other activities, serving on boards, doing volunteer work, etc. The problem is that owners typically work 50 or more hours a week in their businesses, leaving very little time for other activities. Declining invitations is important for an owner’s health.
9. Encourage your staff to focus on their health
While you’re thinking about yourself, share your health strategies with your staff. But do NOT do anything that could cause embarrassment (e.g., don’t tell an employee that she needs to lose weight) or trigger any lawsuits (e.g., discussing a disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act).
10. Review your health coverage
Do you have the right type of health coverage for you? For your staff? Cost is an issue but look for ways to maximum desired coverage within your budget (e.g., take advantage of the small employer health insurance credit to offset some of your cost).
Final thought
Focusing on self-care isn’t a selfish thing to do; it’s essential for your personal health as well as the health of your business. If you’re looking for information you can trust about health, go to MedlinePlus. Find the top health websites through MLA.
For additional blogs concerning health and wellness check this list here.
