Don't Let Busy-ness Harm Your Wellness: A CEO’s Warning
Why Regular Checkups Are Critical for Busy Professionals in Their 40s
Attention busy leaders in your mid 40s: no matter how fit you are, neglecting your health for even a year can have serious consequences. In 2021, I experienced heart failure despite being a fitness enthusiast with a clean, healthy and rather rigid diet. It was a wake-up call that taught me a valuable lesson: regular checkups and a healthy work-life balance are essential for maintaining good health and a fulfilling life.
You can’t play “catch up” with your wellness later
As a business coach, my mission is to help leaders find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. I also know that busy professionals in their 40s often struggle with finding a balance between work and personal life. And unfortunately, many of them tend to prioritize work over their health, thinking that they can "catch up" on their wellness later.
When fitness fails
Let me share with you my personal story that may serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Despite being a fitness enthusiast and having a clean diet, I neglected my health for a year because of the pandemic. I did not see a doctor all of 2020, thinking that I was healthy enough to skip my regular checkups.
I did not feel stress in my life
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were added stresses that made it even more difficult to prioritize my health. As a business owner, I was struggling to save all of my studio locations from closing down and was bleeding financially for two years when we were not allowed to open our retail locations. On top of that, I was busy monitoring that my cancer would not come back, so I neglected my heart. I thought I couldn't breathe because I developed adult asthma, but I was wrong.
In 2021, I experienced heart failure and was hospitalized for nine days. It came as a shock to me that my heart's EF was only 20%, and at first, it seemed that the prognosis was bleak. I was the kind of person who worked out seven days a week and did all kinds of sports like skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, kiteboarding, scuba diving, and snowshoeing. I meditated, went to yoga, and did not feel stress in my life. I was happy and content, living life to the fullest.
A year before my heart failure, I was as fit as an athlete, had muscle mass, and was lean and strong. I went to get a full executive checkup at 49 and passed with flying colors. Even my heart echo was normal. It only took a year of not having checkups for my health to deteriorate and lead to heart failure.
Hard Lessons
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: no matter how fit you are, do not put off wellness for even a year. Regular checkups are essential in monitoring your health and identifying potential problems early on. Also, it's crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage stress levels. It is a difficult journey, and one that I could have avoided if I had prioritized my health. Until today, I spend so much time reporting to doctors and getting tests. Are you prepared to spend 80% of your time in hospitals, labs and clinics?
Fit and Falling Apart: A Wake-Up Call for Busy Leaders
I understand how easy it is to let work take over your life. But I want to urge you to remember that your health is your most valuable asset. Don't let the stress of work and life take a toll on your well-being. Make sure you are monitoring your health and striving for a healthy work-life balance. It's not worth sacrificing your health for the sake of success. Remember, you can't achieve your goals if you don't have your health. So, take care of yourself and make your health a top priority.
Live Intentionally Today
If you're having difficulties balancing life + work, don't give up hope. There is a way to find balance. Let's work together to get LIT and start Living Intentionally Today.
“breathe.”
If you’d like to learn more, let’s meet!