Oops! Are You Making This Critical Mistake in Your Strategic Planning as a Leader?

Whether you’re a leader of a large organisation, medium-sized business, or small team, you know your business's 3 to 5-year strategic plan. But you forgot one thing!

Do you have a strategic personal health and wellness plan to try and ensure you’ll still be alive and healthy to actually see your business or organisation's strategic plan through?

?

The reason I ask is that the World Health Organization (WHO) has morbidly stated that:?

“Failure to enjoy adequate levels of physical activity increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 20–30% and shortens lifespan by 3–5 years.”

Let that sink in for a moment.

If you don't include enough physical activity in your personal health and well-being plan, you can cut your life short by as much as? 3-5 years. That’s a wake-up call!

However, many leaders are in a daze from the whirlwind of professional responsibilities, family duties, and personal well-being. If you’re also caught in this whirlwind, finding time for regular physical activity can feel like a luxury at best or additional work at worst.

This article highlights the reasons and ways to prioritise movement so you can hopefully be healthy, moving and grooving to see your organisation’s and your own? 3-5-year strategic plan through.

A Powerhouse of Benefits

Physical activity isn't merely a mechanism to counter lethargy or maintain one's physique. For years, it's been called the 'miracle drug' because its benefits extend across the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of our lives. For leaders, it offers a reservoir of amplified energy, enhanced cognitive function, and a sanctuary for stress relief. Studies have long since indicated that regular physical activity strengthens decision-making, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. The strategic decisions, rigorous schedules, and intense negotiations all require a nimble mind, which physical activity helps nurture.

In addition to these, the more commonly known benefits of physical activity include muscle strengthening, weight management, and reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also improves sleep and mood, which in turn aids leaders' communication skills and emotional regulation.

Transcending Barriers

A leader's life often revolves around meetings, stakeholder interactions, and decision-making processes. Finding time for physical activity might seem challenging, but incorporating it into one's daily routine is more feasible than most think.

1. Micro Movements: Use sedentary periods as opportunities for short bursts of activity. Studies indicate that simple actions like standing stretches or desk-based exercises can significantly boost overall well-being.
2. Walking Meetings: Turn regular meetings into walking sessions. This approach stimulates creativity and promotes deeper connections.
3. Scheduled Breaks: Schedule short physical breaks in your day. These deliberate pauses not only refresh the mind and body but also serve as a cognitive reset, thus enhancing productivity.
4. Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA): Researchers at the University of Sydney examined the effects of short bursts of VILPA, which are naturally integrated into daily routines, such as running to catch a bus, hurrying to a meeting or picking up children from school. Their findings suggest that engaging in two or three brief bouts or approximately 3–4 minutes of VILPA daily can be associated with significantly reduced risks of all-cause mortality, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

The Ripple Effect

Leaders who prioritise physical activity benefit personally and energise others in their environment. Their consistent energy and presence catalyse a ripple effect, creating an atmosphere pulsating with motivation, energy, and productivity.

Just as a beacon requires its radiant energy to shine, leaders need their health and wellness to excel in their roles positively influence, and inspire their teams. As leaders and influencers, it's paramount that we understand the significance of physical activity, not just for our well-being but also for those we guide. Healthy leaders motivate healthy followers and cultivate an environment where everyone flourishes. Let's embrace movement, become active, and set a precedent.

Looking Ahead

Regular physical activity should be part of your strategic health and well-being. Make it an integral component of your daily routine. Engage with us – share your favourite ways to stay active in the comments below. Your story might inspire someone else, initiating a cascade of wellness throughout the business world. Subscribe and join our? Leadership Health and Well-Being Newsletter because…

It’s Time to Redefine Leadership Success as Healthy & Happy!

Dr. Masi.?

About Me:

Founder & CEO, HERSELF HEALTH | Burnout Prevention & Executive Health Coach | Specialising in Corporate Health & Well-Being for Leaders & Their Teams

With HERSELF HEALTH at the forefront, I guide leaders towards embracing a holistic approach to success. My mission is to redefine leadership success by promoting a life that’s healthy, happy, and harmonious in flow - what I refer to as work-life flow.

Connect with Me:

Want to chat more? You can connect with me right here on LinkedIn or check out our Leadership Health and Wellbeing Coaching & Consulting at www.herselfhealth.com

Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter and related LinkedIn posts is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Views expressed are those of Dr. Masi Njawaya and Herself Health and not any official organisation. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Use this information at your own risk.