Credello: Being self-employed has many benefits for those interested in entrepreneurial life, but now science shows surprising information about how many of those benefits can be health-related, especially for women. Researchers at UCLA found that the overall health benefits for self-employed women include reduced likelihood of obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
But before you start looking for self-employed loans to start your business, there are things you can do to mimic the positive health habits women entrepreneurs have. Here are a few tips for improving your health, whether self-employed or not.
1. Keep a tight budget for your business and personal finances
Dr. Kimberly Narain, one of the senior researchers on the UCLA study, says that "[h]eart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, which is something a lot of people are not aware of," so it's essential that women in any job role practice heart-healthy financial habits to reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
2. Make time for regular exercise
When juggling work and home life, it's easy to put exercise on the back burner. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who get moderate-intensity exercise (the equivalent of walking briskly) at least thirty minutes a day have a lower risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory problems.
It can feel overwhelming to head to the gym after a hard day on the job. Still, there are other ways you can better incorporate light cardiovascular activity into your daily life:
- Park further away from your office or get off 1-2 stops earlier if you take the bus or subway.
- Take a brisk walk around your work building before going inside or at lunch
- Get off the elevator 2-3 floors earlier and take the stairs the rest of the way
- Buy an under-the-desk pedal bike that allows you to keep your legs moving while you're working on your computer
3. Eat a balanced diet
Self-employed women tend to have more time to meal prep from scratch than people in other jobs, so it's essential to ensure that what you're eating is nutritionally sound and doesn't contribute to any weight problems. You can have the same result if you prioritize bulk meal preparation once a week. Simply carve out 2-3 hours on an off day to prepare healthy meals you can reheat quickly. Not only will this save you money from no longer having to buy takeout for lunch, but you'll be able to eat more nutritious meals made from higher-quality ingredients.
4. Make your mental health a priority
Mental health is an important issue that contributes to your overall health more than you might think. One of the reasons self-employed women are statistically more healthy than women employed by others is that they often understand how stress and poor mental health can affect their company's bottom line. Take breaks often, set boundaries for your job, and see professional help if you need it without apologizing. The more you prioritize mental health, the quicker you'll begin to see an improvement in your mood, sleep habits, and physical health.
The bottom line
While self-employed women seem to have better health habits, that doesn't mean you can't practice better health. Make sure you have a solid financial foundation, mental health resources, and healthy eating habits to maintain optimal health.
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Original Source: Self-Employed Women Are Often Healthier Than Others According to a New Study
Lifestyle - RSV News originally published at Lifestyle - RSV News