How to remain a “healthy workaholic”!

And what you can learn from some of the successful personalities about staying healthy…

“It is so hard to hit the gym after office…”

“Ugh how do these people work productively post-lunch?”

“I think I’ll focus on my fitness when I take a break from work cos’ I can’t do both…”

If any of these thought-bubbles look like yours, then you know that this article calls out to YOU! This goes out to all the workaholics who think that staying healthy cannot happen alongside a hectic schedule. It will be news to you that it is absolutely possible to stay fit and to be a workaholic.

Here are seven personalities that can lead you by example.

1. Elon Musk, founder of TESLA and SPACEX maintains his fitness through sports like tennis and swimming. His house is well-fitted with health clubs and other amenities. This helps him to stay fit in the middle of a crazy work schedule.

2. Oprah Winfrey, founder of Oprah Winfrey network and Harpo productions believes in a good cardio workout and mediation to charge her brain and body. She believes in actively taking out time every single day for her work-out. Her daily workout includes 45 minutes of cardio, and crunches, strength training, as well as observing silence two times a day (Source: O Magazine).

3. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group indulges daily in activities like swimming, Bikram Yoga, rock climbing, running and weightlifting. As a person that enjoys adventure, he swears by rock climbing and hiking to remain fit. These help him to indulge in what he enjoys and stay fit as well.

4. Anil Ambani, Chairman of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group swears by sprinting and jogging to remain fit. The business magnate is known for running marathons. Although he was overweight at one point, he is now known to lead life with healthier food choices and daily physical activities.

5. Jack Dorsey, Founder of Twitter and Square has adopted a strict exercise routine and that has led to his success. His daily routine as per an interview with Men’s Health, is 5 kilometers of daily running and six sets of 20 squats and pushups. He avoids liquor on weekdays and is a strict Paleo (form of diet where gluten, alcohol, dairy and sugar are avoided).

6. Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook is another fit entrepreneur who believes in exercising five times a week. He also conducts his one-on-one meetings while walking and not sitting down.

7. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc. remains fit by regular cycling, hiking and working out. He is an early riser, who also visits the gym regularly. He is found munching low calorie energy bars even during his meetings.

Want more encouragement? Following are some tips that will be a good starting point for you. Work these routines into your day and this will help integrate healthy habits to your flow of work. Read on to impress your boss and colleagues at work with your energy and drive throughout the working week!!!

1. Use your exercise as a brainstorming session: Take walks, go running, go cycling for 30 minutes and utilize this time as a way to brainstorm or to think big. Use this time to let your brain absorb fresh air.

2. Healthy Snacking: Try to keep packs of granola bars or fruits in your office drawer. Do not reach for chips or cookies. Keeping healthy options will give you energy as well as keep you fit during work. Just because you cannot exercise every day, does not mean you cannot eat healthy while working.

3. Keep water handy: This one is for those that mistake thirst for hunger. Keeping a full water bottle within reach, or perhaps storing a few bottles of water in the refrigerator of your office kitchen will help curb snacking cravings and keep you hydrated and healthy.

4. Invest in a standing desk: Now that is a feasible option!! This helps you to not only improve your health but more importantly a poor posture as well. This leads to a healthier and more active day of work. It is not a big investment, and will help you to stay healthy and fit, as well as active during the working day.

5. Have objects like skipping ropes or dumbbells handy: Such kind of little equipment is easy to carry and store in the bottom drawer of your office, right? If you just make that effort, then you can use your lunch break to go out to the terrace or balcony and skip for 20-30 minutes for some cardio and to burn those calories. If this seems embarrassing, you can begin to invite your colleagues for the same routine. Share your fitness tactics with them as well.

6. Finally, learn to BREATHE! It is important to take 30 seconds every day to focus on your breathing. This will help you to keep both your blood pressure and your stress in check. Breathe deeply from your nose and mouth for a consistent period of 30 seconds or more. Do this when your boss is getting on your nerves, when you are off for lunch, when you cannot figure out a task at work or when you cannot meet a deadline. Anytime for this is good!!

As the old adage goes…” health is wealth”. We wish you both in abundance. Stay healthy to be able to enjoy your life and a successful professional career.