***Health Makes Wealth – How to Turn Your Body into Your Biggest Business Asset

You know the importance of staying fit and healthy, but who has time when you’re at the helm of a growing company? Mulcahy, a serial entrepreneur, who has managed to stay active even while founding numerous start-ups over the past 20 years, doesn’t buy that excuse. What’s more, fitness has been a “mandatory” part of staying focused and sane, he says. Indeed, he is proof positive that healthy living and business success can-and should-go hand in hand.

You’re sharper, delegate more effectively and have more energy, says Mulcahy, “And if you’re running at 100%, you can get twice as much done.” No wonder that several years ago Mulcahy launched Truestar Health Inc., an online resource for healthy living. That’s why his mission has really been about selling “health.”
Still, Mulcahy is the first to admit the path to good health isn’t always easy. Marriage, then children increased the demands on his time, and making healthy food choices was tough when he was always on the run. To stay the course, Mulcahy relied on friends and family for support and inspiration. “My children motivated me because I wanted to set a good example for them.” He also listened to motivational tapes from such gurus as Stephen Covey, Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra, which helped him prioritize and organize his time.

Interested in replicating this serial entrepreneur’s success? Here are more of his hard-won lessons on incorporating health and wellness into an already busy life:
Establish A Routine: He knew he was more apt to stay committed to an exercise program if he scheduled regular workout dates. Therefore, find a time that suits your needs, and pencil in at least three days during the workweek and one on the weekend. Even at the peak of Energy Savings’ growth, Mulcahy would rise by 7 a.m. and work out for 30 minutes before heading to the office. On the road, he visits hotel gyms or spends 20 minutes doing sit-ups, push-ups and stretching in his room.

Easy Does It: Save your hardcore workouts for the weekend and think shorter exercise periods, more often-they’re less daunting and easier to fit into your jam-packed day. It could be 20 minutes on a bike or a half-hour of circuit training, in which you quickly rotate between weight-training movements.

Eat The Best: Incorporating exercise into his routine was easy for Mulcahy, but making healthy food choices proved harder to master. He started by reducing his fast-food intake, eschewing burger joints for restaurants with larger menus that were more likely to offer healthier options. Little things such as removing the skin on chicken or passing up potatoes also helped. To keep on track through necessary business lunches and dinner functions, he focused on eating the vegetables and skips dessert.

Stay Liquid: Since dehydration leads to fatigue, entrepreneurs should keep their energy level high by drinking 12 to 15 glasses of water a day. To make the task easier,  always have a good supply of bottled water near at hand. You could also try keeping a water carafe on your desk.

Rest in Peace: It’s typical for entrepreneurs to fit more into their day by sleeping less. But a lack of good sleep eventually catches up to you. While everyone’s sleep needs are different, many will feel their best after about eight hours of sleep. The toughest thing for business people is trying to wind down. To tune out the day, unplug your cell phone around 9 p.m., and then relax with a hot shower or a good book.