Health: The Best Preparation for Resilience

Health for Resilience

How do you increase your resilience without having to go through trials, setbacks and challenges? It would be nice to develop this vital business trait without such high stakes. Physical activity is an excellent tool for developing positive attitudes in stressful situations. When we invest in our health, we create important reserves that transfer into resilience. Consistent exercise, sleep and a good diet create good habits and a solid foundation that can sustain you in high stress environments.  In short, you can be better equipped and prepared to bounce back from trials if you treat your body well. 

Exercise

The contribution that exercise brings to building resilience has many layers and provides many benefits. Here are a few that can prepare you ahead of time for the unexpected: 

A strong body is better equipped to handle challenges. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and boosts lung capacity, allowing you to push yourself further—both physically and mentally. The crossover between your physical health and mental health is undeniable.  When you're in good physical shape, you can navigate the highs and lows of business with greater clarity and focus.  

 

Regular exercise also makes us more resilient as we grow in personal discipline. Having a consistent workout plan consists of creating habits and setting goals. These traits carry over into your business life helping you stay on track and focused on your objectives. 

It has been well documented that when we exercise, we release endorphins, the “feel good hormones” that help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being. Exercise is a great way to release tension and the benefits of feeling “fit” can build your confidence. Having confidence in yourself affects your countenance, the way you communicate and how you interact with other people, all of which will enhance your business life. 

Diet

Food is the fuel for your body. The same way that we would treat a super car to premium gasoline, we should not expect high performance from ourselves if we are filling our bodies with nutritionally deficient foods. As a business leader, one of the greatest things you bring to the table is your energy. A diet of highly processed, sugary foods will not provide that energy you need, in fact it can even make you sluggish. In a fast-paced business environment, our diets can be a result of convenience. However, prioritizing your health through food is a plan that will sustain your life and longevity in the workplace.  

 

The advice on nutrition is widespread and vast, however eating fresh, non-processed foods is universally accepted as good advice. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. I recently set myself a challenge based on an expert’s advice to “eat the rainbow” I try to eat natural foods that represent each color of the rainbow. It’s been a great exercise, and I have felt improvements in my health and disposition. 

Sleep and Rest

The world that we live in has cultivated a concept of resting after completing work.  This creates a challenge as there will always be work to do. If you only wait to rest when everything is done, you run the risk of never giving yourself permission to step away. Just as your work is valuable, so too is rest. It is by definition restorative and necessary for your physical and mental health.  

 

More that 40 million people suffer from sleep deprivation and insomnia, and those who work in high stress environments are particularly susceptible to the struggle of turning off their mind. I have heard it said that rest is the bridge that helps you transition from a busy day to a good night's sleep. Refrain from electronics. Take some time to give God your anxious thoughts, journal some moments of gratitude and build a new healthy habit in times of stress. Renew your mind and don’t fall into the trap of thinking the same way that the world does. Look at these two scriptures from The Message translation that challenge our thinking and encourage us to find rest in God’s presence. 

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”

Romans 12:2 MSG

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:29 MSG

The relationship between fitness and business success isn't coincidental; it's a powerful synergy. A healthy body is one of the most potent tools in your business arsenal. Success is a journey, and keeping yourself in top physical condition ensures you'll be well-prepared for every twist and turn along the way. Good physical well-being provides a strong foundation for effective resilience.  

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