Can you afford to not take care of your body?

In all seriousness, can you? I thought for a long time that I could - I thought by ignoring its signals, telling myself I couldn't afford things (gym memberships, healthy food, exercise classes, time) until my body told me I simply had to listen.

From a mere productivity perspective, looking after your body pays dividends. Whether you run your own business or work for a company, your success depends on three things:

1) Showing up

2) Having great ideas

3) and working hard

All three depend fundamentally on the health of your mind and body, both of which are inextricably linked. 

For example, if you're not looking after your body, you will get sick more, meaning you can't show up. If you do show up, you won't be in top form and you might give your bugs to your colleagues (making you unpopular!) and you definitely won't be having your greatest ideas. If you're feeling low, and not well, you won't be able to work as hard as you could if you were feeling great.

Therefore, not putting yourself and your body first directly impacts on your success at work and/or the amount of money you take home! 
Once I realised that, I decided to do something about it. Every day, I take an hour out to do something for my body - have a bath with essential oils and epsom salts, go to the gym, stretch - and I tell myself that this is a business task because I know that it's helping me achieve things in my business.

I've noticed three things since I've started doing this:

1) It's a great de-stressor - when you reach that point where you're about to implode or explode, there is nothing better to resolve that than exercise. Ultimately, this saves me time. 

2) I have my best ideas - most of my blog and video ideas come during or just after a gym session.

3) My self worth is improving - electing to take that time for yourself reminds you that you are the most valuable thing in your life.

Take that time for you today!