This Is Why Good Health and Fitness Are Essential for Success

Many of us say we have a busy life and not enough time to take good care of ourselves.

Oftentimes, when it comes to a choice between leisure and hard work, we all know which will win nine out of ten times.

But, whether it’s easy for us or not, taking care of our health should always come first. Why? Because if you are not healthy, it's difficult to be successful in life – both in your personal and professional life.

So, what are the main factors that influence health and fitness, and how can you cultivate them?

Key Things That Influence Health and Fitness to Keep in Check

Three things influence your health and fitness the most: Your diet, exercise, and sleep.

Let's highlight why these key factors affect your health, and how ultimately they play a pivotal role in achieving all-roundnsuccess in life.

I. Food

^{(Vegetables and fruits are a must for good health).}

Imagine it's time for lunch and you have been working since 6 in the morning. So when the hunger pangs hit, all you want and imagine will be convenient is greasy junk food. A salad is the last thing you think you need. But have you thought about how the extra calories in your fries and burgers impact your productivity post lunch?

According to a Harvard Business review study report, food plays a crucial role in determining our performance at work. The study tracked food consumption and moods and behaviors of the participants. Participants who consumed more vegetables and fruits, and at the same time avoided meals high in fats, were more engaged and happier. They were also more creative than people who opted for meals high in calories and fat.

We tend to think about food simplistically. Many of us work hard and see food merely as a type of fuel for our bodies to keep running. But this analogy is not entirely accurate, because from fuel you can expect a certain standard level of consistency. But, food is not always created equally. Junk foods, for example, can cause more harm than good to our bodies.

Since what you eat can impact your productivity and success, it's critical that you choose your meals wisely. Choose a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet.

II. Exercise

^{(Working out can help in tackling stress).}

Stress may take a toll on our everyday life. So, how do you combat this problem? Well, you can melt all your stress and calories away with every lift or stride at the gym.

Exercising is a good outlet to combat stress and divert your thoughts from your work pressures. More importantly, it makes sure that you are fit too.

Exercising regularly can also help fight depression and ward off mental blocks that might act as a hindrance to your creativity and success in life.

It's easy to talk about working out, but getting out and doing it is what matters. Schedule 45 minutes of workout time every day. Don’t postpone your workout sessions or tell yourself you will do it later. Treat it as something that you must do rather than something you might do.

III. Sleep

^{(Sleep is an important factor to rejuvenate and achieve success).}

When work life starts to get demanding, it can negatively impact our sleep. You get to the work desk just after the sun's up and might leave when it is dark. A couple of hours later, you're crawling to your bed with your laptop or smartphone. And the cycle repeats itself.

This a common cycle that might come with your job. But even if you are a night owl, you must ensure you are getting quality sleep and the necessary rest your body needs. Why is sleep important? Lack of adequate sleep can cause greater levels of stress, higher levels of blood pressure, and lower brain function.

In other words, your performance and productivity will suffer if you are deprived of adequate sleep. Your odds of success diminish when you're not getting quality sleep each night.

So, how do you combat chronic sleep deprivation? Devising a sleep schedule and sticking to it will help. Definitive work hours is also essential, especially if you work from home. These ensure you get ample time to work, relax, and unwind after you are done with your job.

If you keep thinking about work while hitting the sack, you may find yourself awake. So, wind up work early and put work aside at least two hours before it is time to sleep. Importantly, when you hear the alarm, get out of bed no matter what. This way you can avoid oversleeping, which is equally bad as it will disturb your sleep cycle.

In the end, keeping your diet, exercise, and sleep in check will boost your work rate, bring more success, and most importantly make you feel happy and healthy. You won't get very far, however, if you kill yourself with work and not exercise, eat a healthy diet, and sleep well.

Remember your health and fitness are crucial for success as they help you get the energy to get more done, get further ahead in life, and enjoy your life while at it. Strive for fitness and good health always.

See Also: 7 Little Things You Can Do Early in the Morning to Have a Truly Productive Day.