Solo Entrepreneurs: Healthy Living Isn't a Luxury; It's a Necessity

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Do you believe it's a luxury, these days, to lead a healthy, balanced life?  Lately, many of the people I've been talking to, think that's the case.  When I mention that I coach entrepreneurs who want to run successful businesses AND lead healthy, balanced lives, many say, "Healthy living.  Isn't that a luxury in this Recession?"

Recently, a small business owner actually said to me, "I don't have time to think about my health when I can barely afford to pay the bills."  Forgive me for saying so, but something seems a little  "off" with this line of reasoning.  If you don't have your health and wellbeing, you may not be physically able to run your business.  Then, you'll really have trouble paying your bills.

Don't get me wrong.  I realize that many of us, these days, could use an injection of the green stuff, and the sooner the better.  But whether business is booming or you can barely afford to pay your bills, you still need to take care of yourself.

Because, if you don't find a way to de-stress and mix work with play, you run the risk of burning out and becoming seriously ill.  That's because when stress goes unmanaged, it suppresses our immune system, making us more vulnerable to illnesses, and can even lead to serious conditions like heart disease.

While I certainly have empathy for people who are weathering a tough time, focusing on your business at the expense of your health, isn't a solution.

Maybe you feel guilty about spending time to take care of yourself.  If so, perhaps it would be helpful to remind yourself that leading a healthy, balanced life is good for business.  It's true.   When we eat healthy meals, move our bodies, take time to engage in activities we enjoy, and surround ourselves with people we love, we have more energy and enthusiasm for everything in life, including our businesses.

Ellen H. Brown is a certified business coach and wellness coach who works with solo business owners who want to maximize their productivity and lead healthy, balanced lives.  Her business, Wellness Journeys (http://www.wellnessjourneys.com) is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/JourneyCoach

Sign up for her e-zine for monthly tips designed to help you boost your profits and productivity and lead a healthy, balanced life, at http://www.wellnessjourneys.com

Copyright 2009 Ellen H. Brown

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