Maintain Your Health

In today’s world of over stressed business leaders, it is important to maintain your health. Being a leader can be stressful and can relate to on going medical issues. I am over 60 and had my share of issues. Over 20 years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes, over the years it has its ups and downs. I contribute this to a poor diet and lack of exercise. Today, I still struggle with diabetes and some IBS issues from time to time. For me it has become very imperative to maintain good eating habits, and exercise, even when traveling. This is a must priority for me as I work, travel and ending up eating out a lot. Create your priorities and stick to it, your body will love you for it.

Business executives often face high levels of stress and demanding schedules, making it crucial for them to prioritize their health. Here are some key points you might consider including in your busy life:

1.     Importance of Physical Health: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and proper sleep are essential for maintaining physical health. These habits can help executives manage stress, improve productivity, and enhance overall well-being.

2.     Mental Health Awareness: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Encouraging practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and seeking professional help when needed can help executives maintain mental clarity and emotional stability.

3.     Enjoying your work, while prioritizing your personal life: Striking a balance between work and personal life is vital. This can include setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and ensuring time for hobbies and family.

4.     Preventive Healthcare: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect potential health issues early. Executives should prioritize preventive healthcare to avoid long-term complications.

5.     Corporate Wellness Programs: Many companies offer wellness programs that include gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health support. Participating in these programs can provide executives with the resources they need to stay healthy.

6.     Healthy Work Environment: Creating a healthy work environment, including ergonomic workspaces and promoting a culture of health and wellness, can significantly impact an executive's health.

I think this list is great. If you have ready any of my other posts you will see that I don’t believe in the phrase “work life balance”, you need to enjoy the work you’re doing and then include family and health into that life. There should not be a separation.

I also want to share some statistics with you to help you think about the importance for your health.

1.     Mental Health: According to the American Psychiatric Association, workplace stress impacts the well-being of 80% of employees . Additionally, one in five adults struggles with mental illness . Despite the availability of mental health resources, stigma remains a powerful barrier to care, leading to significant costs for companies. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/2025/05/01/mental-health-is-corporate-health-why-every-executive-needs-a-healing-community/

2.     Workplace Wellness: Nearly 95% of companies plan to expand wellness programs by 2030. However, many employees do not access these benefits due to fear of stigma, career repercussions, or overwhelm.https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/2025/05/01/mental-health-is-corporate-health-why-every-executive-needs-a-healing-community/

3.     Economic Impact: The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety result in 12 billion lost working days annually, costing the global economy $1 trillion.https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/2025/05/01/mental-health-is-corporate-health-why-every-executive-needs-a-healing-community/

4.     Leadership Support: Organizations with leadership support for mental health at every level report improvements in employee satisfaction. Executives signaling that mental health matters, but not modeling healthy behaviors or holding others accountable, can hinder progress. https://onemind.org/publications/mental-health-at-work-index-reports/new-data-reveal-the-critical-importance-of-mental-health-leadership-at-all-levels/

5.     Employee Engagement: Employers that invest in leadership support for mental health can be a force multiplier, attracting and retaining top talent, building resilient teams, and driving better business outcomes. https://onemind.org/publications/mental-health-at-work-index-reports/new-data-reveal-the-critical-importance-of-mental-health-leadership-at-all-levels/

Our health is important, how can you be your best as a leader, if you are struggling with any kind of health issue. Make this a priority in your life now. How many of you have heard about the person that works their whole life to end up passing away within months of retiring. That sure is not how I want it to turn out.

Live life today, be healthy, so you can enjoy life and set yourself up for more longevity after your career winds down. I am at that point in my career where I want to slowly reduce my workload and increase my love of life, but without my health that will not be possible.