Sometimes we are so focused on work that we tend to put healthy habits on the back burner. We forget that there are easy ways to incorporate a more healthy lifestyle into our schedule. Here are some practical tips to learn as a business owner while staying healthy.
1. Stand up while working
After filling out a quiz to determine my “real age”, one of the questions asked what percentage of my day was spent sitting down. Since I work at a desk for most of the day and watch some television shows at night, my percentage was higher than I anticipated. This works against me health-wise.
In an effort to reduce his percentage, I decided to do some of my work standing up. Luckily, I have a counter in my kitchen where I can type, physically write, get other random tasks like send invoices or set up recurring payments or even read business articles like I would at a desk. Many people opt for a standing desk to do all of the above. That works too.
2. Exercise while watching TV
While there are many TV shows that deserve our attention, we don’t have to subscribe to being a complete couch potato to watch them. If you have a treadmill or other workout equipment at home like an elliptical, try using those while watching a show. A show like Shark Tank or The Profit can help you pass the time, learn something new and entertain you all at once. Try walking in place while viewing them to burn some calories and squeeze in some cardio.
3. Take in other forms of media
Also consider substituting some of the time you spend watching shows to listening to a podcast or online radio programs. You can listen to a business, entrepreneurial or a personal finance podcast to boost your bottom line. You can also do this while working out. Whether you’re at the gym, walking or back on the treadmill, a podcast can go with you almost anywhere.
I often binge listen to the Her Money Podcast by financial expert, Jean Chatzky. Each week the host engages in a talk fest with a special guest highlighting their expertise in career, entrepreneurship, financial topics and more. The host also often intersperses interesting personal dialogue with her assistant Kelly like Halloween parties at celebrities’ homes or ringing the bell at the Federal Reserve. The show usually culminates with Jean answering listeners’ specific questions in depth.
I catch up with any episode I haven’t heard while I’m working out or in transit. Since the topics are very relevant to me as a working woman and mother, I like hearing the viewpoint of the host and other working moms who took risks, made pivots in their careers and managed to raise well-adjusted children in the process. There are other personal finance podcasts that I allow to monopolize my earbuds along with other shows that help freelancers, online entrepreneurs and small business owners improve their businesses..
The Bottom Line
Pivot your time and attention to constantly learn and grow in business while maintaining healthy habits. Stand more while working, watch TV or listen to podcasts while working out. Or, if listening is too passive of a role for you, try to be a guest on a podcast and show off your own expertise.
