The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Like anyone
preparing for a 26-mile run, it’s essential to be in optimal physical shape. Long, stressful days mean less time to exercise, sleep or prepare healthy meals.

According to studies, healthy habits result in higher productivity,proving the notion that fitness, stress-relief and immunity can enable you to go the distance.

Workers who:

• Eat healthy are 25 percent more likely to have higher job performance
• Exercise for 30 minutes, three times per week, are 15 percent more likely to have higher job performance
• Get time off for R&R are 14 percent more engaged in their work
• Feel happy are 12 percent more productive

Here’s how to fuel your productivity so you can see your entrepreneurial endeavours soar:

Exercise is time well spent. Working out:

• Helps the brain cope better with stress
• Amplifies your ability to concentrate and think creatively
• Maximises productivity and the ability to make complex decisions

You need between seven and nine hours of sleep for your brain as well as your body. Any less increases anxiety and diminishes your grey matter power for important jobs like:

• Attention
• Executive function
• Memory
• Impulse control

The benefits of yoga cannot be understated: It reduces stress; improves strength; helps alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia; and can lower blood pressure.

Start slow and easy with restorative yoga; then work up to Vinyasa or Bikram yoga for a more challenging workout.

What’s the secret to more energy? You’re more likely to find it on a plate than in a coffee cup. Think complex carbs, fibre and protein to sustain you through the day. Add these to your shopping list:

• Almonds
• Bananas
• Beans
• Citrus fruits
• Eggs
• Kale
• Porridge oats
• Salmon
• Yoghurt

You don’t have time to be sick.

• Ask your doctor about a flu shot and other vaccinations.
• Take vitamins, minerals and probiotics – preferably through food. These all play an important role:
  • Vitamin A: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
  • Vitamin B6: Bananas, potatoes, tuna
  • Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers
  • Vitamin D: Fortified milk and cereals, salmon
  • Iron: Beans, chicken, kale
  • Zinc: Chick peas, oysters, yoghurt