BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

An Entrepreneur's Guide to Managing Health and Wellness

Following
This article is more than 8 years old.

In my Forbes series The Insiders, I share the ins and outs of launching and scaling a small business, all through the chronological lens of our own experiences building VerbalizeIt.

Through my own experiences and in learning from other entrepreneurs and investors, I've harnessed several strategies that have enabled me to manage health and wellness alongside the rigors of startup life while also enhancing the successes of our business.

Entrepreneurs are notoriously hard workers. We slave not because we have to, but because we want to. We love our businesses and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve our objectives.

Oftentimes, “whatever it takes” means making sacrifices that negatively impact our health and well-being. This can take shape in the form of poor eating habits, minimal time to commit to an exercise routine, or poor sleep which can be exacerbated by excessive consumption of caffeine-infused beverages. The end result is increasingly lower levels of energy and output both of which detract from business success and personal health.

What can we as entrepreneurs do better to ensure that our business successes don’t come at the expense of our health? What actions can we take with respect to personal health that will energize us to be better entrepreneurs?

Below are several suggestions based upon personal experiences and the advice and feedback of other entrepreneurs.

Commingle Meetings with Fitness:

Not every meeting needs to take place in an office or over a round of beers. We don’t always have time to be both active and productive at work, so try coupling the two. Need to talk about an upcoming initiative with a teammate? How about a business deal with a prospective partner? When possible, try to hold meetings with colleagues or outside parties over a brisk walk or an outdoor run. John Katzman, founder of The Princeton Review, Noodle and 2U is both a fitness enthusiast and serial entrepreneur. When I asked to meet with him, he suggested we go for a run. While doing so was a little rough for me coming off of a late night at work, the experience taught me about making the most of our precious hours during the day.

Nutrition Matters: What we get out of our minds and bodies is a direct function of what we put in. While no single rule can apply to everyone, the following habits have helped me remain energized and focused day-in and day-out:

  • Consider eating five to seven smaller meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three larger ones. Doing so will keep your energy constant and help avoid the lull associated with an overly heavy lunch
  • Aim to consume energizing and filling protein with each meal. Greek yogurt, eggs and several protein-fortified cereals and grains are a great start to the day. Avoid processed “nutrition” and simple carbs in place of complex ones. Complex carbohydrates are lower on the glycemic index, meaning your blood won’t spike and cause an energy crash soon after eating
  • Caffeine is a beautiful thing for those that can tolerate it, but aim to get your fix from natural drinks like coffee and green tea. Caffeine-infused beverages (you know the common offenders) are ridden with fake sugars and processed ingredients and can wreak havoc on your insides. The half-life of caffeine varies from person to person, but try to cut off caffeine six to eight hours before bed

Become a Weekend Warrior:

Most of us have trouble committing time to fitness during the week. We’re always beholden to our customers and while we might work just as hard on a Saturday as a Tuesday, the weekends oftentimes give us flexibility to schedule a workout that won’t conflict with a business meeting. Make the most of your fitness by promising to spend an hour or two each weekend doing something healthy and active. Don’t forget to bring a pen and paper (or an iPhone!) – some of the best ideas for business come during moments of downtime and activity.

Engage with People:

Ever notice how much more energized you are during a day of in-person meetings or phone calls than sitting behind a computer all day? Engage with others to keep yourself stimulated and energized. For those of us who absolutely must spend meaningful amounts of time at our desks, consider an adjustable standing desk. Try it for a month and your back, hips and overall energy level with thank you!

Commit:

Sign up for an athletic event – be it a 5K run, a Warrior Dash or a major endurance event. Rally your company behind your efforts to keep you honest, focused and energized. I recently completed the New York City Marathon on behalf of a charity and my colleagues, investors and customers were amazingly supportive along the way.

Make a commitment to be healthier and more active and you’ll be amazed at the resulting effects on your health, wellness and your business successes.

How do you manage health, wellness and your business endeavors?