Innovation typically springs from technology, though a leisurely Potomac walk can spark it too.
My firm conviction is that wellness delivers a substantial lift to creativity, productivity, and honestly, to my own sense of calm. I've observed this with my team, and I've experienced it personally — some of my sharpest thoughts surface during a vigorous walk.
People frequently ask me how I manage to weave wellness into a jam-packed work calendar that involves guiding a sizable team and jetting off nearly every week. It calls for a bit of ingenuity, but it's far simpler than you might assume.
I've discovered that weaving wellness rituals into a packed calendar hinges on simplicity and ease of integration. Add a dash of self-discipline to build consistency, and you'll find yourself on the path toward a healthier way of living.
Below are several rituals that have made a real difference for me.
Meetings on the move
The advantages of physical activity are well-known, but occasionally, it's simply about shifting your environment and enjoying a breath of outdoor air. For me, daily walking isn't optional — it's essential for managing stress. A mere 30 minutes helps me untangle problems and reset my thinking. When conditions outside are less than favorable, I pace through the corridors of my office or use my home treadmill. A Deloitte colleague who works remotely mentioned that her team holds weekly walk-and-talk conference calls to break free from their desks and devices. What a brilliant concept!
At a recent gathering of senior leaders, I deliberately built a wellness hike into the schedule. Instead of a typical coffee pause, the entire group embarked on a 45-minute nature walk along a nearby trail. Although a few participants were doubtful initially, the response was enthusiastic. It prompted numerous one-on-one discussions about strategic business topics and personal catch-ups alike. Everyone came back to the session feeling revitalized (the doubters included).
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Whole-food nutrition
What you consume has a direct effect on your energy reserves. And the more vitality you possess, the more you can accomplish. The outcome? A deeper sense of achievement and fulfillment. It's tempting to devour cookies left over from a catered lunch meeting or to grab another bag of chips, but your energy will plummet later. I make an effort to notice how my diet shapes my energy, and I map out my meals and snacks with purpose.
One advantage of being the boss is the ability to select our team's breakfast and lunch menus for meetings. My team already knows we prefer wholesome, natural fare — lean proteins, antioxidant-rich produce, whole grains, nuts, low-sugar desserts, and plenty of water. Sometimes, this calls for some gentle nudging with the caterer, but most food service vendors are eager to tailor their offerings to client preferences.
Clean eating has become a way of life I wouldn't trade. I feel healthier, sharper, and more energized. My output has climbed as well.
Stepping back
I'm passionate about my work, but it carries a heavy load of stress and demands. To some degree, I draw energy from it. Yet when it crosses a line, I step back. Perhaps it's just a day or two, but even a short stretch spent on things beyond my job refreshes me.
While I'm away, I ask my leadership team to pause sending documents my way unless they're critical, and I tap someone to handle my messages. Taking a proactive stance toward time off is essential. Once I'm at ease knowing problems will be managed, I can fully disconnect.
Strengthening your overall wellness may demand a shift in mindset, but a few straightforward changes can produce meaningful results. As a leader, I aim to model the behavior that nurtures, builds, and champions a wellness culture for my teams. I've discovered that nurturing mind, body, and spirit propels us to peak performance and positions us for success.
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Starting out is usually the most difficult part of boosting wellness amid a packed schedule. Pick an activity or two and commit for a week — it will soon feel like second nature. Notice shifts in your energy, mood, and output. If you're like me, you'll notice a substantial upgrade.
Originally published on Thrive Global.
