Who’s fed up with winter bugs, lack of sun and stinging storms? With Christmas overspend, higher bills and already spoken-for pay packets, it can be a frustratingly quiet and uninspiring time for business, too. But with March due to roar in like a lion, and just weeks until a new financial year, now is the perfect time for a little self-care.
Whether you’re a sole trader, self-employed contractor, building a team or overseeing an empire, we all operate and interact better when we’re not fighting illness. When winter bugs and low immunity create the perfect storm, planning and prevention can help you recover from, reduce and avoid the impact of illness. Here are some health hacks to ensure you, those you work with, and your business, leap out of winter with a spring in your step, as well as in your sights.
Work Smarter: Listen to Your Instincts, Don’t Fight Them
Whether your business is you, or others are looking to you for leadership, all adds pressure to push through. But this can create problems, from underperforming to storing up bigger health issues down the line. How many of these body basics have you let slide?
Listen to your body: “Tired all the time”, endless coughs and colds, sleeping badly or not feeling refreshed- these are all warnings from your body it’s foolish to ignore
Take time off: You can do it! It can take a brave step, but taking time off will help your body recover more effectively- and quickly. And don’t forget work / life balance- are those work deadlines sliding into evenings and weekends? Try and generate some genuine switch-off time with family and friends
Eat well: Admittedly, salads aren’t appealing at this time of year, but with many healthy, tasty, and even home-delivery ready-meals these days, a balanced range of protein, carbs, good fats, fruit and veg is within reach, and will boost you mentally, as well as physically (and deliciously)
Sleep even better: Reduced or interrupted sleep have scary implications for reduced mental and physical performance, as well as immunity. Be aware: sleep apps can add pressure, try and go by what your body’s telling you. And no late-night scrolling!
Consider supplements: No alternative to a good diet, but at this time of year over-the-counter remedies can give your body a helpful boost. Vitamin C, vitamin D and garlic have been shown to help fight off colds, reduce inflammation, boost energy, immune health, muscle and brain cell function
Exercise: Not another pressure to add to your day, just getting out in the fresh air and moving has huge benefits. Walking the dog, strolling down the garden with a coffee, hitting the gyms, playing a team game: pick what works for you
Ask for help if needed: From seeing the doctor to asking colleagues to help with tasks, or a client to push back a date, asking for help can also be a brave step- but don’t your shoulders feel lighter once you’ve done it? You are not an island, there’s no need to drown.
Healthy People = Healthy Business
We all know there’s no “I” in team; if you’re a team leader, project manager or chairman of the board, have you considered the health of your team, too? It could be as simple as informally checking in on colleagues, to operating a proactive HR department. At ICS, I’m proud we introduced a free and confidential counselling service for staff for any personal mental health concerns. Healthy lunch options, keeping an eye on the hours people are working, reducing the stigma around sick leave-
having an honest conversation around the points above- simply being seen and cared about can have a significant beneficial effect on people’s mental and physical wellbeing, too.
Time to Health-Check Your Systems?
While we’re talking health, how’s your business looking: in peak health, under the weather, or trying to ignore some suspicious sniffles? Yes, we know there’s never a perfect time of year to schedule in some maintenance, but February rates pretty highly. Processes, procedures, contracts, paperwork, tax, IT systems, equipment, data protection, storage, security- there’s no aspect of your business that won’t benefit for a little drains-up. A little investment will pay dividends in efficiency, savings, safety, staff and customer satisfaction, allowing for better performance and returns going forward.
Or Time to Come Under The Umbrella?
If you’re a freelancer or contractor moving between assignments, choosing a reputable umbrella solution can reap huge benefits. Free up time, juggling, double-checking inaccuracies and chasing deadlines with your umbrella employer taking over responsibility for seamlessly dealing with your pay, taxation, pension, statutory rights and benefits. Not only that, ICS Umbrella Employees enjoy a wide range of benefits, from money off everyday essentials, eats and treats, to a comprehensive wellbeing hub, keeping you in 365-degree health!
With half-term on the horizon, could it be the perfect opportunity to give yourself a health-check? And don’t forget the back-office experts, ready to do what we do best, so you can be the best at what you do. Don’t hesitate to call one of our friendly team on 0800 195 3750, or email info@icsuk.com, for peace of mind, no-obligation advice fitted to your individual requirements.
