Being Healthy and Exercise Helps Women Executives
Apparently not only are we fighting for equal pay, recognition and all the other things that come with trying to break through that glass ceiling, but now we also have to find even more time to exercise! In an article by Lisa Quast on Forbes.com, she talks about a study done that shows the percentage of overweight top female executives is far less then the percentage of overweight top male executives. The study concluded that there was a bias, and possibly even a preference for men being bigger but women being smaller. Lisa discusses the double standard this continues to reinforce for women in the business world. I do agree, but the other thought I have is; maybe women executives are just more health conscious than men executives. Maybe women executives are so busy trying to run a business, manage employees and tend to their home life, while trying to break through the glass ceiling, that they end up thinner because they are running around like crazy women?
All of the above are certainly options and I agree with Lisa that there is plenty of bias, sexism, ageism (the isms go on and on) in the business world, but I’d like to think that women are just smart enough to know that if they want to get ahead, they need to take care of their minds and bodies.
Women recognize that they need to take care of themselves to effectively run a business, and survive long enough to see the fruits of their efforts. So with that, here are some tips to keep your mind body and soul healthy that will fit into anyone’s schedule.
Drink water, seems so common sense, but I know personally I hate water, but I make myself drink it. I set a personal rule: between every non-water drink, I have to drink a glass of water. So yes, between cups of coffee I have a glass of water and have found I snack a lot less and have cut down my caffeine intake as well.
Prep your meals ahead of time, this will allow you to not have any excuses not to eat healthy and save you time in the long run, making you more productive. This is true even if you work at home, if you have your meals and snacks already ready to grab in the fridge you can have them and get right back to work without losing focus.
If you sit at a desk all day, get an exercise ball. You will constantly be moving and working on your core.
Whether you go to a gym or work out at home, schedule your workouts. Put them right into your calendar just as you would a meeting. Your workout is just as important, it is your meeting with yourself, even 15 minutes is better than nothing.
Making small changes like these will lead to you making bigger changes and healthier choices. Making better choices and being healthier overall can help you get ahead. You will have more energy, think clearly and be more productive in your work giving you that leg up over all the overweight men trying to push you off that ladder to the top 🙂
Ashley Nialetz
Ashley Nialetz is a Social Media Consultant and Virtual Assistant through her company www.FatPugTech.com and recently www.Shuteit.com. She is also a wife, mom of two, caffeine addict, customer service pro and superhero by night. She loves working with other women looking to start their own businesses and offers private mentoring programs. Prior to working in the in the virtual assistant world, she had 10+ years of experience in customer service and administrative management roles.
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As an executive, runner and yogi, I believe strongly in the integration of body and mind in my leadership. I do think there is a focus on women leaders needing to look fit and strong… but for me, that is not what it’s about… It’s about clearing my mind and having energy.
I completely agree! I think being able to have that release is so important in the corporate and business world.
Very insightful post. As a business health coach, I teach that healthy women create healthy businesses. When you don’t feel well and you have to deal with excess weight, low energy and constant brain fog, it totally impairs your ability to be on your “A” game.