As a school principal, my days were a whirlwind of meetings, decisions, and constant demands. Despite trying to maintain an active lifestyle, I was perpetually tired, bloated, and struggling with skin issues…I know…TMI, but it is the hard truth. I exercised regularly, but it wasn’t enough. I went years struggling to have a good day of feeling energized and passionate about my job. It wasn’t until I decided to invest in my health that things changed…almost instantly actually. The turning point came when I realized the crucial component I was missing: nutrition.
The Realization and Transformation
I invested in my health by consulting a gut health doctor who introduced me to a diet that fit my hectic schedule. The focus was on whole foods from the earth, plenty of water, movement each day and prioritizing sleep. Quickly, the changes began to show. My energy levels improved, my skin cleared up, and the bloating disappeared. Incorporating walking and strength training into my daily routine further enhanced my well-being. I started to finally feel like myself again and the energy and renewed passion for my job started to level up too. This whole changed happened in three months and I am still going strong!
The Challenge for Busy Principals
One of the most common questions I receive from fellow principals is, “How can I make time for my personal health and well-being despite my busy schedule?” It’s a valid concern, but here’s the secret: You must treat your health activities as the most critical appointments.
Three Ways to Prioritize Health Amidst a Busy Schedule
1. Schedule Health Like Important Meetings: Just as you wouldn’t skip a meeting with a key stakeholder, treat your health the same way. Whether it’s a morning run, a walking meeting, or a midday fitness break, schedule it. Put it in your calendar as a non-negotiable event. This ensures that it won’t be overlooked and builds a routine that fosters consistency. So for me, I go for a walk at lunch every day. I make it happen and I instantly have a better afternoon. In the mornings, I never miss a workout during the week. It is a non-negotiable for me. Of course there are times when life gets in the way, but for the most part, it is Monday – Friday.
2. Integrate Movement Into Daily Tasks: Walking meetings are a fantastic way to stay active while still getting work done. Encourage your team to join you for walking meetings in a nearby park or around the school campus. This not only boosts your physical activity but also promotes a healthier, more creative work environment. You can also invest in a portable walking treadmill if you have a stand up desk. I got one this year and I make sure I walk on it while I work. You could even put one in front of your TV and walk while you watch tv. I also incorporated walking while I scroll instagram. If I am scrolling, my new rule is that I have to walk around my house while I do it.
3. Streamline Nutrition for Efficiency: This is the most important. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Simple, nutritious meals can be prepared in advance or quickly assembled. Focus on whole foods that are easy to prepare, like salads, smoothies, and bowls. Hydrate regularly and ensure you get a restful sleep every night to complement your dietary efforts. I make sure that I have protein the most and that I always have it ready to go in my fridge for the hungry bear time that happens as soon as I get home from work. Usually, I am as ravenous as a bear so I make sure I grab protein or nuts first and it usually calms my hunger.
Balancing the demands of a principal’s role with personal health can seem daunting, but it is undoubtedly achievable. By making strategic changes to how we view and schedule our health-related activities, we can enhance our overall well-being without compromising our professional responsibilities. Remember, a healthier leader is a more effective leader. Start today, and transform not only your health but also the quality of your leadership.
Here’s a free guide on How to Become a Healthy Leader.
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