Your bottom line won’t matter if you allow your health to go bad.

Listen to this business owner:

“I've been a committed business owner for over seven years. As I write this, I'm planning to begin my 5th health plan in as many years. Believe me, it's a recurring battle.

As any business owner can attest, running a business is no simple task. Health is put on the back burner after the long hours, intense stress, and the demands of family. The stresses of being in business have led to drinking more: socially while networking; having a drink with a potential client; on the golf course in a business tournament; a drink after work to wind down; and then counting on caffeine to kick-start my mornings.

I know what I should be doing: improving my diet, exercising regularly, cutting down on alcohol consumption and limiting my caffeine intake. Getting into a healthy mindset and program is a HUGE challenge; however, even BIGGER is the challenge of maintaining my good intentions beyond the first few weeks. All it takes is one major crisis at work to undo those good intentions and I revert to my previous bad habits.”

Walter W.

Do you recognize yourself on this hamster wheel? How do you balance business and health as a busy entrepreneur? There is no quick fix. You are not alone. This is about changing your lifestyle for the long haul to discover a balance between your business dreams and a healthier life.

When you're working to build your business, it's easy to put your own needs aside so you can devote as much time and energy as possible to the success of your venture. But neglecting your own well-being is equally bad as taking your eye off the numbers or forgetting to follow through with projects.

8 Ways to Stay Healthy While Running Your Business

1.      Manage stress

Be more proactive in managing your time, prioritize your schedule and commitments, learn to set boundaries and say no when necessary. Take control of your day and work to proactively solve the issues and problems that would otherwise weigh you down.

2.      Set a routine

The best way avoid exhaustion and keep up with everything else on your list, is to set an intentional routine that works for you - and then stick with it. You'll find your routine brings you peace of mind and creates space for a productive day.

3.      Build your mind

If you hope to build a successful company, you should strive to build and train your mind constantly by challenging yourself to learn new things.

4.      Eat a healthy diet

When our bodies are poorly fed, stress takes an even greater toll on our health making it harder for our bodies and brains to function optimally. Eating healthy supports both your body and mind when you're feeling under pressure.

5.      Get moving

Getting your body in motion on a regular basis helps you improve your overall health, lower your blood pressure, boost your mood and deal with stress, anxiety and depression.

6.      Laugh

There may be times while running a business when you don't know whether to laugh or cry. Choose laughter when possible. It will make a huge difference in relieving stress and allows you to feel more relaxed and rejuvenated.

7.      Be social

No matter how busy you get, don't allow yourself to become isolated. Make time for friends, family, partners and children - all the people who matter to you. These bonds are an important element of emotional, mental and physical health.

8.      Recharge and rest

Businesspeople are among the worst offenders when it comes to being workaholics who don't get enough rest. Giving your body and mind down time and sleep to feel rejuvenated and recharged will allow you to be more focused and productive at work. Even while running a business, you must take care of yourself. Along with the demands of your business, you need to make sure your health stays a priority. Self-care should be an important business goal.