Entrepreneur. To some, the word conjures up visions of the bold individual who dives headfirst into the proverbial shark tank, forging their own path to success. But for most, the word entrepreneur means taking risks, working long, hard hours to make a dream come true, often foregoing a paycheck for weeks, or even months.

Hopefully, if you consider yourself an entrepreneur, you find yourself somewhere in the middle of those two scenarios. One way to do that is to look at franchising as an option. Owning a franchised business gives you many advantages, including 24/7 support and a brand that is already established.

But no matter the type of entrepreneur you are, there is one asset that is greater of all others. And if you do not take care of it, you might as well go back to your old 9-5 job with a secured paycheck every other week.

That asset is your health.

Your clients, your vendors, your clients…in fact, your entire business, depends on your health. If you do not take care of yourself, how can you take care of all those other people that depend on you?

The good news is that taking care of yourself does not need to be an overwhelming chore. You can take a few small steps towards leading a healthier life, and the rewards will be greater than you can imagine.

The Checkup

Once a year, schedule a checkup with your doctor. That’s it…just once a year. Preventative maintenance is not just for your car anymore. Make sure everything is in good working condition. And it is good for your mental health, as well…you will not have to keep asking yourself “I wonder if everything is ok?”

Speaking of Mental Health

Being an entrepreneur can be a mentally tough life. Sometimes you are alone. Most of the times you are stressed. After all, you have a lot of people depending on you. Maybe find time to chat with a mental health professional occasionally. Sometimes finding an accountability partner can help, as well. It is good to be able to talk out loud with someone about the daily grind. Here is a good article on finding resources for mental health.

Eat Better

We know…you are busy and grabbing a meal through a drive-thru window can be a quick and easy solution for lunch. But is it always the right decision?

Fast food is not always bad, but it is bad if it is all you eat. Take an extra few minutes and make yourself something healthier in the morning or night before. Or invest a few extra dollars in a meal delivery service that prepares it for you. Healthy snacks tucked away in a desk or your glove box can go a long way to curbing hunger…protein bars and nuts can be good options.

One bonus to a healthier lunch? Energy in the afternoon instead of nap time!

Supplements

Entrepreneurs do not always get the vitamins they need every day. Find a supplement that is a good fit for you. Multivitamins, specific vitamins, and other supplements such as fish oil or ginseng can make a big difference.

And of Course, Exercise

Are you sitting all day? Not good. Are you standing, but not moving around much? Still not the best. You need to make sure you are getting the cardio and other exercise your body craves.

Walk upstairs instead of using the elevator every now and then. Park a little further away from entrances. Start your morning with a walk around the block. Buy an exercise bike you can peddle while watching your favorite show every night. Just make some small changes in your exercise life and your body will thank you. Here are some easy exercises you can do at home without having to join a gym.

The bottom line? Just take care of you. There are a lot of people, including yourself, that are depending on you. After all, what good is success if you are not around to enjoy it?

Franchise Matchmakers is a team of franchising professionals that are dedicated to helping people explore business ownership as a career path.  Contact us at  info@franchisematchmakers.com to find out more about franchising options that may suit you.