Did you know that there is an extremely fine line between entrepreneurship and workaholism? Many business owners fail to recognize this line, striving to burn the midnight oil. 

In the short run, it does make sense because running a business and keeping it afloat is a mammoth task. However, it should never come at the cost of your health and wellness. Entrepreneurial stress levels across our country are on the rise. 

A study found that 31% of company founders suffered from imposter syndrome. Stress levels among early-stage founders were the highest. Gradually, such stress leads to health issues. Entrepreneurs try to keep up by working day in and out, sometimes skipping meals or self-care. 

If you can relate, it’s time for some deep contemplation and reconsideration. Prioritize your health because doing so is a worthwhile investment. There are many ways to do so, but this article will discuss three of the most effective ones. 

Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle 

A lot of the issue arises from the fact that entrepreneurs do not choose to keep their health as a priority. It’s only possible to work so much before your body yields to its limitations. 

The earliest symptom of needing a break is burnout, one that you cannot seem to shake off. When that kicks in, other issues like headaches and gastrointestinal disorders will gradually follow. 

When we speak of prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, it’s not just about good stewardship of your physical body. We are also referring to practices that will calm your mind and give it the rest it needs. For many entrepreneurs, simply reducing stress will help eliminate a lot of bodily problems. 

Let’s look at different ways in which you can prioritize a healthy lifestyle – 

• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. 
• Avoid any multitasking while eating your food. Savor the meal and eat at the right time each day. 
• Opt for regular exercise sessions, at least twice or thrice a week. 
• Engage in hobbies and give them your utmost attention. Such activities should be done simply because they bring you pure joy. 
• Take a vacation once or twice a year, even if it’s for a few days. Prevent work from interfering with the time you need with your family and friends. 
• Participate in meditation and mindfulness to keep your mind still and stress-free. 
• Take slow walks in nature and absorb all the beauty you see around you. Never underestimate the healing power of the natural world.  

Stay Informed About Treatment Options 

One side of the health coin involves going for regular checkups for any health conditions. Routine checkups are a great way to know how optimally your body is functioning. You can get some ideas on how to better manage your health. 

In case a certain condition is diagnosed, it’s crucial to start treatment as early as possible. On the other hand, you need to stay in control of the process by being aware of all your options. 

Let’s understand this using an example. Suppose an entrepreneur is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. It is a genetic condition affecting red blood cells and hemoglobin. Nearly 100,000 Americans suffer from this painful condition that creates complications like infections, stroke, and organ damage. 

Though the rarest cases require a bone marrow transplant or blood transfusions, medication is the most common treatment. Oxbryta by Pfizer is a common medicine used for this condition. It is FDA-approved but can lead to serious side effects. 

According to TorHoerman Law, many patients suffer from complications like organ damage, leg ulcers, and vaso-occlusive crises (painful blockages). It looks like the treatment can wreak more havoc than the disease itself. 

It’s no wonder then that Pfizer has been dragged into court. The Oxbryta lawsuit alleges that the company, despite being aware of the risks, took no steps to warn the public. If the entrepreneur stays informed of such issues, they can opt for alternative treatments like gene therapy. 

There are other ways to stay in control of your health and treatment options, including – 

• Ask relevant questions to your healthcare team. 
• Let the doctor know about your concerns associated with the prescribed treatment. 
• Be sure to get a clear explanation, which should include the expected results of a procedure and its side effects. 
• Do independent research and join online forums to connect with others experiencing similar conditions. 
• Search for all possible alternatives and compare them against the treatment you have been prescribed. 
• Find out what the implications of the condition and its treatment will be for your work and business. 

Establish Boundaries 

Much of the stress we experience in life need not be there in the first place. In other words, it’s the result of failing to establish proper boundaries, be it relationships or work. 

It’s not surprising that plenty of entrepreneurs do not strike a healthy work-life balance. Despite this, stress only seems to accumulate. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress is a natural human reaction that occurs due to life changes and challenges. 

Our bodies and minds were designed to respond to stress. Let that sink in for a minute. Stress is not the real problem, but how you choose to respond to it is. If your work-related stress motivates you to stay alert and avoid danger, it is positive. 

It only becomes a problem when it induces crippling fear and fails to subside over time. If you feel like your stress is prolonged, it’s time to establish some clear boundaries. Let’s look at some ways to do that – 

• Define your work hours and stick to them. Communicate them to others as well to avoid any unnecessary interruptions. This will also set a positive example for team members. 
• Set aside personal time, which will let you recharge, rejuvenate, and prevent burnout. Devote specific periods throughout the day or each week for activities outside of work. 
• Sometimes, the only best option is to completely disconnect from work. This is about taking regular short breaks and doing whatever feels relaxing in the moment. During your breaks, avoid checking emails or work-related messages (no matter how tempting). 

These three are the most basic, yet the most effective, ways you can balance entrepreneurship with a healthy lifestyle. On a final note, if you feel too overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek professional counseling or support. 

In general, the American population is sicker than ever before. Heart disease and stroke account for the leading causes of death among men and women alike. Such conditions are primarily caused due to poor lifestyle choices and high levels of stress. 

Although work is important, it is not the end goal of life. You need to have time and health to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It starts with adopting a healthier lifestyle.