Are you fit for leadership?

By Luma Wealth on October 1, 2019

Manage Your Health

The executive lifestyle can be hectic and potentially harmful to your health. Senior executives tend to sleep less, work more hours in a day and travel more frequently than the average worker putting them at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health issues.¹

If you’re a senior executive, you may have precious little time for self-care, but it can be difficult to lead effectively when you’re feeling sluggish, tired or unwell. Here are some tips to focus on you, even when time is constrained, and why it’s so important to do so.

Tip #1. EXERCISE
It’s no secret that exercise is good for you. Cardio strengthens your heart and burns calories and strength training keeps your muscles strong and helps prevent osteoporosis. When it’s hard to find time to get to the gym, sneak exercise into your day by:

• Parking in the farthest spot and walking wherever you can.
• Taking the stairs. Even if your office is on a very high floor, you can always get off of the elevator a few levels below your destination and climb the last few flights.
• Stretching at your desk. Put yourself on speakerphone when you’re on a call and lift some weights, do some isometrics or gently stretch.
• Moving while watching TV. Grab a rope and jump during commercial breaks, or do a few squats, push-ups or sit-ups.

Tip #2. EAT RIGHT
There are many theories about eating for optimal health and choosing the best program for you is a personal decision. Regardless of the diet you follow, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and pack what you need for the day to avoid making bad food choices because what you eat affects your mental performance.² It’s also important to stay hydrated, so keep a bottle of water on hand and refill it throughout the day.

Tip #3. BE MINDFUL
Mindful breathing raises awareness of your thoughts and helps put you in control of your stress. Studies show mindfulness can reduce anxiety and fatigue and may improve executive functioning. It doesn’t take long to do and you can practice it anywhere at any time.³ Many organizations offer mindfulness training believing it will help employees collaborate and function better.⁴ To learn how to practice mindfulness, attend a local class, or turn to the many books or apps available to guide you.

Tip #4. DELEGATE
You can’t do everything yourself. Good leadership means choosing the right staff and empowering them. One way to judge whether you’re effectively delegating is to determine whether your initiatives would be accomplished if you unexpectedly took a week off work.⁵ Some people find it hard to let go, but you can always start small.

Tip #5. CONSULT
When you’re busy leading, remember your Luma Wealth Advisor is available to provide financial guidance. It’s easier to concentrate on running your business when you know there’s a plan in place for your wealth goals.

Wealth planning is about more than money. It’s about taking care of yourself so you can be healthy, enjoy life and stay on top of your game. Attend a Luma Wealth event and join the conversation for wealth planning strategies that can help you keep your finances fit.

¹ Infographic: Health risks of executive lifestyle, Mayo Clinic, May 30, 2018. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/infographic-health-risks-of-executive-lifestyle/
² What You Eat Affects Your Productivity, Harvard Business Review, October 17, 2014 https://hbr.org/2014/10/what-you-eat-affects-your-productivity
³ Mindfulness exercises, see how mindfulness helps you live in the moment, Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
⁴ Can Mindfulness Training Help Organizations Be More Effective? Forbes Human Resources Council, May 23, 2017 https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2017/05/23/can-mindfulness-training-help-organizations-be-more-effective/#121fba97e1ea
⁵ To Be a Great Leader, You Have to Learn How to Delegate Well, Harvard Business Review, October 10, 2017 https://hbr.org/2017/10/to-be-a-great-leader-you-have-to-learn-how-to-delegate-well

Luma Wealth is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC. All information referenced herein is from sources believed to be reliable. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates assume no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to the information. This document and the materials contained herein were created for informational purposes only; the opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s), and do not represent those of Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates. Luma Wealth and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity as tax or legal advice. Clients are urged to consult their tax and/or legal advisor for related questions.