Women entrepreneurs, often hailed as the backbone of their companies, are adept at juggling myriad responsibilities, from meetings and projects to family and clients. However, amidst the hustle, their own health frequently takes a back seat. As the driving force behind their ventures, it is imperative for women entrepreneurs to prioritize both their physical and mental well-being.
Engrossed in the nourishment of their businesses, women entrepreneurs may find themselves neglecting their own bodies, resorting to irregular meals, fast food, and disrupted circadian rhythms. The relentless pursuit of balancing work and personal life often leads to the oversight of underlying health issues.
Despite the expectations for entrepreneurs to be agile and adaptable to rapid changes, the truth is that there is no successful business without a healthy business owner. To achieve a harmonious balance, women entrepreneurs need to incorporate health and self-care into their routines as non-negotiables.
Establishing a routine that includes mindful eating, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and engaging in hobbies can have transformative effects on the overall health of women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, prioritizing preventative health check-ups and regular consultations with doctors should be paramount.
Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the significance of health for women entrepreneurs at SheThePeople's Digital Women Awards. Encouraging women to prioritize their health, Reddy stressed the importance of self-care and suggested regular health check-ups as a proactive approach.
Further, mental health is equally crucial, considering the challenges and pressures women entrepreneurs face. According to research, 72% of men and women entrepreneurs deal with mental health issues. Recognizing the impact of mental health on entrepreneurial journeys is vital, leading to the development of sufficient support networks and resources to aid women in managing the mental demands of their business ventures.
Dianne Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-life coach, highlighted the need for support systems to support women entrepreneurs and ensure the sustainability of their success. Sangita Reddy echoed this sentiment, urging women entrepreneurs to seek help when needed and to set expectations and roles to share the workload both at the workplace and at home.
In a conversation with SheThePeople, entrepreneurs shared their experiences with prioritizing health. Yeshoda Karuturi, co-founder of Hoovu Fresh, emphasized the role of workouts in destressing and maintaining balance. Aashka Goradia Goble of RENÉE Cosmetics underscored the importance of self-care during pregnancy, emphasizing that neglecting it could adversely impact health and business decisions.
As women continue to make significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape, supporting them in prioritizing their health becomes imperative. By incorporating health into their daily routines and fostering a supportive environment, women entrepreneurs can ensure sustained success in both their professional and personal lives.
