Is Your Health Holding Your Business Back?

I understand the grind—running a business often means late nights, early mornings, and feeling like you can never take a break. It feels like there's always something to do, and putting your health on the backburner is all too easy. But here’s the harsh reality: neglecting your health isn’t just taking a toll on you—it’s hurting your business. 

I’ll never forget my very first business coach saying to me that “the health of your business is directly reflected in your personal health. Prioritise personal health in your business activity as much as you do marketing and admin.”  

What’s the real problem? It’s the exhaustion, stress, and burnout that come from constantly pushing yourself without taking time to recharge. When you're mentally and physically drained, your performance suffers. You may feel like you're working harder, but you're not working smarter. 

I’ve seen this with my clients. Hey, I’ve done it to myself! 

We can all get stuck in the cycle of stress and overwork. Like my clients, I used to think staying late, working through every challenge, and sacrificing well-being was the key to success. But it wasn’t.  

I realised I had to prioritise my health in the same way I would prioritise and important client. I would constantly cancel or reschedule them, so I needed to not do that with my wellbeing routines either.  

So here’s what I’ve learned will help busy leaders and business owners to focus on their wellbeing.  

1.  Sleep 

Protect your sleep like your life depends on it—because it does. Sleep is when DNA repair and essential body regeneration take place. Without quality rest, your immune system struggles, and your health suffers. A well-rested brain is better equipped to problem-solve, negotiate, and think creatively, ensuring you show up as your best self in business. I set an alarm on my phone at 9pm each night to remind me to start winding down ready for bed and sleep. 

2  Movement 

Engaging your muscles isn’t just exercise; it’s a reset for your entire body. Each workout floods your system with fresh oxygen and blood, invigorating every organ. The brain, in particular, thrives on this boost, releasing endorphins and clearing mental fog, enabling sharper decisions and peak performance. 

3  Breath 

Conscious breathing is a simple magic tool.  There’s a reason that box breathing is now taught Navy Seals and the Australian Military in combat. Stress often makes us breathe shallowly, which over time reduces oxygen levels, impedes focus, and raises anxiety. Intentional, deep breaths counteract these effects, energising your mind and body and enhancing clarity.  

4  Nutrition 

The fuel you choose for your body directly impacts how it operates. Starting the day with nothing—or worse, just caffeine—leaves your system running on empty. I’ve learned that focusing on protein for my morning and midday meals and cutting out carbs, can stabilise my energy, sharpen my thinking, and elevate my decision-making power. I highly recommend it. I know that if I have carbs for lunch, by 2pm I’m cactus! 

5.  Hydration 

Your body is 70% water, yet many of us don’t drink enough of it. Dehydration doesn’t just make you feel sluggish; it saps creativity, patience, and mental sharpness. Remember, coffee doesn’t count! Keep your cells hydrated to maintain the focus and resilience needed to tackle business challenges. 

It wasn’t a quick fix, but when I’ve encouraged clients to make this shift, they felt the change.   Here’s what happened after they took action: 

• They started getting more done with less effort. 

• Their decision-making skills sharpened because they weren’t exhausted. 

• They experienced a huge mental and physical boost, and their business performance followed suit. 

This isn’t just about squeezing in a workout or sleeping longer—it’s about shifting how you approach your entire life and business. Taking care of yourself is not optional; it’s foundational to your success. 

I know it’s hard to make health a priority when there’s so much on your plate, but think of it this way: your well-being is your greatest business asset. If you want your business to thrive, you need to take care of the person behind it—YOU. 

I stopped treating health as an afterthought. If I can do it, you can too. Take that first step towards making yourself a priority. When you do, you’ll see the difference it makes, not just in your personal well-being, but in your business too. 

Next Steps to Take Action 

If you’re struggling to manage your energy like I was, let’s jump on a call. I’ll give you some tips and tricks of things you can easily remember in the moment that will create a significant shift. Book Your Call Here 

If you’re ready to stop pushing through and start thriving, take a moment to assess where you stand today with your energy and well-being. Click here to take our Energy Quiz. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Barbara Clifford is a co-founder of The Hinwood Institute.  She is the lead trainer and coach in Time Management and a recognized leader in Stress Management. She is a highly experienced coach, international speaker, columnist, facilitator and accredited mediator. 

Barbara equips busy business leaders to make courageous decisions in pressure situations for the long-term benefit of their business, team and personal wellbeing. Giving them a sense of order; taking them from chaos to calm and transforming their stress into a source of strength.   She lives in the desert of Alice Springs, Australia working with people around the world 

Barbara Clifford is a co-founder of The Hinwood Institute.  She is the lead trainer and coach in Time Management and a recognized leader in Stress Management. She is a highly experienced coach, international speaker, columnist, facilitator and accredited mediator.

Barbara equips busy business leaders to make courageous decisions in pressure situations for the long-term benefit of their business, team and personal wellbeing. Giving them a sense of order; taking them from chaos to calm and transforming their stress into a source of strength.   She lives in the desert of Alice Springs, Australia working with people around the world