BY KAREN GALLAGHER

Business professionals are so busy that we can often become swallowed by our work and it can seem as though there is not a light at the end of the tunnel. We can disappear into our responsibilities and avoid other aspects of our lives. Can we have a successful, growing business and manage stress? Is stress expected in order to show our success? There are plenty of sacrifices made by business professionals and, at times, balance the sacrificial lamb.

Maintaining your holistic health is the best way to keep things in check. Holistic health, as defined by Holistic Health/American Holistic Health Association, is actually an approach to life.

“Rather than focusing on illness or specific parts of the body, this ancient approach to health considers the whole person and how he or she interacts with his or her environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit.”

For the business professional, the three entities – mind, body, and spirit – need to be in balance in order to have enough energy to give back to the organization effectively. In order to maintain their overall health, business professionals must recognize how necessary it is to maintain all areas in their lives in order to assure their well-being.

So, as successful business professionals, how do we implement holistic health when there are only 24 hours in a day?

Physical health is a good place to start, and identifying stressors is the first step. So, if you are injured, for example, that is your physical stressor. The solution? Short workouts, resting, going to bed early or getting a regular night’s sleep may be all that you can do. And that’s enough! Another physical stressor might be lack of time to work out. Find five minutes a day and do squats or crunches or go for a short, brisk walk. The solution? Do what you are able to do and be at peace with what you are accomplishing.

In terms of mental health, focus on what you’re thinking or self-talk. Keep your expectations of yourself and your situation realistic. Cut yourself some slack when the plan doesn’t come together. You can still move the organization forward without total individual sacrifice. Focus on what you are accomplishing and stop dwelling on what you didn’t get done. Setting boundaries and scheduling time for your personal life is another great way to keep this aspect of your life in balance. Time away from work helps you come back to your work refreshed and more creative, so why not take advantage of that?

Spiritual balance means knowing what and how to find peace in your life. Find what gives you peace and make time to do it. It might be meditation, relaxation, religious practice or it might mean boating, reading, golfing or gardening; whichever it is, it’s important to find time to do what you love and what brings you joy.

As business professionals, we can work on holistic health care for ourselves. It’s a work in progress and some days, your holistic health practice has to be modified and that’s okay! Be kind to yourselves by paying attention to your overall health – mind, body, and spirit.

Source: Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, June 2016