As a therapist running your own private practice, we know that you can be on a tight schedule – from juggling patient sessions, doing paperwork, insurance claims, admin tasks… you name it. You’re a therapist, but you’re also a business owner, which means you often wear many hats. This can really take a toll on your own mental well-being.
Successful business owners such as Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Mark Zuckerberg all swear that regular exercise is an integral part of their success and mental well-being. In fact, Branson said: “I seriously doubt that I would have been as successful in my career (and happy in my personal life) if I hadn’t always placed importance on my health and fitness.”
So let’s look at how regular exercise can benefit you and your business.
Exercise increases energy levels
When you think about exercise, most assume that it will decrease energy levels. But it’s actually the opposite. Regular exercise can increase blood circulation, strengthen your heart, and causes your body to release endorphins, leading to added endurance that will power you through even the busiest of days. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of low-impact exercise like walking, can increase your energy levels by 20% and decrease fatigue by 65%. That’s amazing!
Relieves stress and improves your mood
We’ve already spoken about the benefits exercise can have on your energy levels, but regular exercise can also benefit your mental health – especially when it comes to dealing with stress. It can also help regulate your moods. Every time you work out, your body releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, usually known as “happiness hormones.” This is what makes you feel so good and ready to take over the world, even though you’re exhausted after a workout! You can also use exercise as a way to detach after a hard day of work and get back to feeling good again.
Improves concentration and motivation
We all have days, as business owners, when we feel demotivated and struggle to concentrate. Feeling motivated and being able to concentrate is essential for maximum productivity.
When you exercise, you are increasing blood flow to the brain, which can help sharpen your awareness and keep you focused on the task at hand. And remember those “happy hormones?” They also contribute to you feeling motivated.
Conclusion
By now you’ve realized just how beneficial exercise can be, not only for your physical but for your mental well-being, and ultimately your business. Because once you feel good physically and mentally, there’s nothing stopping you!
Studies suggest that the best time to incorporate exercise into your schedule would be in the morning before you start work so that you can be fueled and fired up for the work day ahead.
With so many stress-relieving benefits, it’s important for business owners to make it a priority to incorporate some form of exercise into their daily routines. So, let’s get exercising!