Health is Our Greatest Wealth:
A Vital Reminder for Women Entrepreneurs

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the demands on your time, energy, and focus can be overwhelming and you are often wearing many hats—running a business, managing your household, nurturing relationships, and pursuing personal growth. In the quest to succeed, one resource tends to be overlooked, even though it is our most valuable asset: our health.

The saying, Health is wealth, is more than a well-worn adage. It is a powerful truth that, as an entrepreneur, you need to embrace. Your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are the foundations that allow you to achieve your goals, sustain your business, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here’s why prioritizing your health is the best investment you can make as a woman entrepreneur.

Sustained Energy and Productivity

Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges balancing business demands with personal obligations. Often, the tendency is to push through exhaustion and overwork to meet deadlines or grow the business. However, over time, this can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even serious health issues. Prioritizing health ensures you have the stamina to continue building your business sustainably.
Mental Clarity and Decision-Making

The stress of constantly being on and needing to succeed can be overwhelming. Taking time to care for your mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Meditation, mindfulness and even simple breathing exercises can help lower stress levels and increase your capacity to think clearly, solve problems effectively, and handle crises with grace.

Resilience and Stress Management

Good health empowers you to cope better with stress. Regular physical activity, for example, releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Adequate sleep helps regulate stress hormones, while proper nutrition ensures that your brain has the fuel it needs to function optimally. When you are physically and mentally strong, you are better equipped to handle the pressures of entrepreneurship without letting them consume you.

Longevity and Sustainability in Business

One of the most overlooked benefits of maintaining good health is the ability to enjoy long-term success. Entrepreneurship is not a sprint but a marathon. Many women entrepreneurs focus so heavily on short-term gains that they neglect their long-term well-being. Unfortunately, the consequences of neglecting health often become apparent later in life, sometimes when it’s too late to reverse the damage. By investing in your health today, you can enjoy sustained success and, more importantly, the ability to enjoy it.

Strategies for Achieving and Maintaining Great Health as an Entrepreneur

So how do you ensure your health remains your top priority as you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams? Here are eight actionable strategies to start today:

1. Invest in Your Mindset: Start by asking yourself, “Am I truly prioritizing myself?” If the answer is no, dig deeper—why not? Do you believe that success requires putting yourself last, or that it’s impossible to be both healthy and successful? To uncover the root of this belief, try the seven why method: ask yourself “why” seven times, delving into each response, to gain insight into why your health isn’t a priority.

2. Embrace Hobbies: Free time isn’t wasted time—it’s essential for letting your brain unwind and recover from daily stressors. Even if you can’t indulge in your hobby every day, make it a point to set aside time at least once a week. Hobbies help recharge your energy, fueling your creativity and overall well-being.

3. Seek Support and Build a Healthy Network: Surround yourself with people who support your wellness goals. Whether it’s a fitness accountability partner, a mastermind group, or a coach, having a strong support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and committed to your health.

4. Incorporate Regular Exercise into Your Schedule: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a strength-training session, physical activity will boost your energy levels and improve your mood. Schedule exercise into your daily calendar like any other business meeting—this makes it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

5. Prioritize Sleep: As tempting as it may be to burn the midnight oil, insufficient sleep impairs both your productivity and your health. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a bedtime routine that allows you to wind down—disconnect from electronics, practice relaxation techniques, and create a calm sleeping environment. Use a sleep device, such as a Fitbit, to help you monitor the quality of your sleep.

6. Mind Your Diet: Fuel your body with nutritious, whole foods. Opt for meals rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can lead to energy crashes and affect your mood. If you’re often on the go, meal prep or pack healthy snacks to avoid resorting to unhealthy fast food.

7. Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Take time to check in with yourself daily. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or journaling has shown it can help manage stress and improve your mental health. These small acts of mindfulness can reduce anxiety, increase focus, and leave you feeling more grounded in your day-to-day life.

8. Delegate and Set Boundaries: As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel like you need to do everything yourself, but delegation or saying “no” is key to maintaining your health. Identify tasks that can be outsourced, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or decline an invite to an event that you really don’t want to attend . Additionally, set clear boundaries between work and personal time to ensure you have moments of rest and rejuvenation.

As an entrepreneur, your health is the cornerstone of your success. Without it, your business, relationships, and personal goals cannot thrive. By prioritizing your health, you empower yourself to be the best version of you—energized, focused, and resilient. Remember, health is not a destination but a daily practice. Invest in it now, and it will pay dividends in every aspect of your life.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine