Life's Short: Don't Structure It Around Ill Health
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy for leaders to overlook the importance of their own well-being in favor of meeting deadlines and achieving success. However, neglecting one's health can have severe consequences, as seen in the unfortunate passing of a businessman, pastor, and dean of a Christian college at the young age of 47. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing wellness.
Leaders should make space for conversations with their employees about their well-being beyond deadlines. Overworking and neglecting one's health can lead to health problems and a lack of enjoyment of success. Learning to say no to oneself and setting boundaries with habits, impulses, and distractions is a powerful act of wellness for leaders.
Dr. Marita Kinney, a board-certified professional and CEO of Pure Thoughts Publishing & Wellness, emphasizes the importance of wellness for leaders. She helps her clients understand the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. Dr. Kinney's own health challenges forced her to pay attention to her well-being, and she now carries a fear of ending up the same way after witnessing the client's and her father's experiences.
A client who appeared successful on paper but was unhealthy realized the importance of health after his health deteriorated. He learned that health and wellness are more than routines or habits; they are self-care and self-love. Redefining productivity as energy, focus, and sustainable results can encourage smarter, healthier work.
Company wellness programs can serve as retention strategies, not just perks. Companies that create wellness programs give employees a chance at a better quality of life. Celebrating wellness wins can shift the culture from one of silent exhaustion to one of shared growth. Leaders can improve their lives and elevate the entire organization by prioritizing wellness.
Health and wellness are not about being perfect, but being intentional. Leaders should audit their lives to ensure they are truly well and building a life they can enjoy. A leader's approach to health and wellness sets the tone for their team, and leaders who prioritize their own well-being give others permission to do the same.
In conclusion, prioritizing wellness is essential for leaders who want to succeed in their personal and professional lives. By focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, and creating a healthy work environment, leaders can improve their lives and elevate their organizations.
