Are We Worthy of Our Health? The impact on leadership

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Being a leader is not an easy job.?

We need to help ourselves first to help others. Like airplane masks we need first to put on us to them put on others. In Leadership is the same. Leaders have to invest in their education continuously to invest in their people. I often see companies with training and development budget and when I asked the CEOs, how much is spared for her/his on development, I get the shocking number: ZERO.

Today, I want to talk about investing in own's health to lead better.

Health, a leadership job

The demands of guiding teams and making critical decisions often overshadow the need for personal well-being. Leaders, more than anyone, need to prioritise their health to sustain their energy, mental clarity, and overall effectiveness.

Yet, amidst busy schedules and constant pressures, maintaining healthy habits can be a formidable challenge beyond the business ones. It's easy to hide behind excuses such as lack of time, overwhelming responsibilities, or the belief that self-care is a lower priority.?

However, as we explore the significance of health in our lives, it becomes clear that mastering key healthy habits is not just a personal goal but a professional necessity. Leaders need to take care of their health because their well-being directly impacts their ability to lead effectively.

The demands of leadership require sustained energy, mental clarity, and resilience, which can only be achieved through maintaining healthy habits. When leaders prioritise their health, they set a positive example for their teams, promoting a culture of well-being within their organisations.

Healthy leaders are better equipped to handle stress, make sound decisions, and inspire those around them. Neglecting personal health can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and impaired judgment, ultimately hindering their ability to lead successfully.

By taking care of their health, leaders ensure they remain at their best, both professionally and personally. It's time to stop hiding behind excuses and start embracing the essential habits that lead to a healthier, more effective leadership journey.

Investing in 5 Healthy habits

Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to studying healthy habits, seeking to understand the essential practices that contribute to our well-being.

And have to admit that I don't master all of them yet. The title of this article was inspired by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon over the Podcast made with Andrew Huberman , I listened yesterday and inspire me to share my discoveries so far.

According to her, healthy goals are ok, like losing weight, running a marathon. However goals come and go all the time. What is important is to set standards in Life and I loved the concept. Standards of eating, moving, hydrating, being positive and sleeping.

My journey has led me to recognise the importance of mastering five interlinked habits:

1. The Habit of Hydrating Well

2. The Habit of Filling the Nutrition Gap

3. The Habit of Moving the Body

4. The Habit of Dealing with Mental Health Situations

5. The Habit of Sleeping Well

Understanding these struggles and the significance of these five health habits, I decided to delve deeper into how others manage their health routines. This exploration culminates in a survey that aims to uncover the strategies and behaviours others successfully employ to maintain these essential habits.

The Leaders health survey?

The Intention Behind This Survey is to gather insights on managing exercise, hydration, nutrition, supplementation, mental health, and sleep. By doing so, I hope to discover practical tips and solutions that can benefit everyone.

This survey seeks to identify common challenges and effective practices that can inspire and guide others. The ultimate aim is to compile a wealth of knowledge to help us all lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

1. The Habit of Hydrating Well

Proper hydration is fundamental to our health. Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, yet many of us struggle to drink enough daily. In fact, studies show that up to 78% of the global population are chronically dehydrated, which can lead to fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and a higher risk of chronic diseases.

Common challenges include busy schedules that make it easy to forget to drink water, the prevalence of sugary drinks as more convenient options, and a general lack of awareness about the signs of dehydration.

Through this survey, I aim to uncover the most effective ways people ensure they stay hydrated, whether through setting reminders, carrying water bottles, or incorporating hydration into their daily routines.

?By addressing these challenges and sharing successful strategies, we can help each other develop and maintain the habit of proper hydration.

2. The Habit of Filling the Nutrition Gap

Despite our best efforts, maintaining a perfectly balanced diet can be challenging. Globally, over two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, commonly known as "hidden hunger," which impacts physical and cognitive development and overall health.

Challenges include hectic lifestyles that lead to reliance on convenient but often unhealthy food options, limited access to fresh and diverse produce in many regions, and widespread misinformation about nutritional requirements.

This section of the survey focuses on how individuals identify and fill their nutritional gaps, be it through dietary choices, supplements, or other methods.

By understanding these strategies and addressing the prevalent global challenges, we can help others improve their nutritional intake more effectively, ensuring better overall health and well-being for people worldwide.

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3. The Habit of Moving the Body

Regular physical activity is crucial for our physical and mental health. However, globally, one in four adults does not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health issues.

Challenges include busy schedules, lack of access to safe and convenient exercise facilities, and motivational barriers.

The survey explores how people incorporate movement into their daily lives, despite these obstacles.

By sharing successful strategies, such as integrating short exercise routines into work breaks, using active transportation, or leveraging community resources, we can motivate each other to stay active and reap the significant benefits of regular exercise.

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4. The Habit of Dealing with Mental Health Situations?

Mental health is just as important as physical health. However, globally, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, with stress, anxiety, and depression being among the most common issues.

Challenges include social stigma, lack of access to mental health services, and insufficient mental health education.?

This survey seeks to understand how individuals manage these mental health challenges. From mindfulness practices to seeking professional help, the insights gathered can offer valuable guidance for those looking to improve their mental well-being.

By sharing effective strategies and coping mechanisms, we can support each other in maintaining a healthy mental state, ultimately enhancing our overall quality of life.

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5. The Habit of Sleeping Well?

Quality sleep is essential for recovery and overall health. However, it is estimated that 30% of ?people worldwide suffers from mild to severe insomnia, significantly affecting their daily functioning and long-term health.

Challenges include high levels of stress, poor sleep environments, and irregular sleep schedules.

This section of the survey delves into the habits and routines that contribute to better sleep. From establishing a consistent bedtime routine to creating a sleep-friendly environment, the shared experiences can help others improve their sleep quality.

By understanding and implementing effective sleep strategies, we can enhance our overall well-being and productivity.

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Join Me on This Journey to Better Health

The questions may be long and make sure you spare 20 minutes from your busy day to learn about you as I did to myself.

If you don't want to answer, that is fine as well. Just make sure you really understand how those 5 habits are interconnected and affecting each other. It doesn't help to go to the gym, if you live a stressful life and abdicate the quality of your sleep. Find your standards.

In the survey sections, we will explore each of these five health habits in detail. We will examine common behaviors, challenges, and successful strategies shared by participants.

This journey is about discovering what we can do better together, armed with insights and inspired by the successes of others.

Your input is invaluable in helping us all understand the best practices for maintaining these critical health habits. Let’s embark on this journey to better health, supporting each other along the way.

Here the Google forms survey link -> https://forms.gle/xWSN98FgT8W975mi6

Together, we can achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Author: Gustavo Santos

Health Enthusiast and Researcher for a fulfilling life.