We asked small business people around Australia how they manage to keep healthy while working in small business. Libby Koch – David’s ‘better half’, a former nurse and a mother of four – who is a huge advocate for healthy living gave us her top tips.
“Luckily as a couple David and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to our health. In this busy life of ours we are often on dissecting paths, thankfully meeting in the middle,” she says.
Libby’s top 3 ‘stay healthy’ tips
Tip 1: David and I both know the importance of keeping fit and eating well. We have the benefit of being able to keep each other in check.
Tip 2: We try to steer clear of carbs, especially in the evenings (enjoying instead to have a bit of a ‘carb credit’ for a wine or two on the weekend). Instead, we indulge in dark greens with fish and lean chicken, limiting the red meat and snack on almonds and walnuts.
Tip 3: I love drinking the lemon and mint water. I infuse daily but I often have to remind David to drink more water. He gets so caught up in his work that he forgets to drink!
Running Divas
Erica King: Every morning I ‘book an appointment’ for myself to exercise that can never be changed. It is my time. I believe by allocating this time, I am a more productive, positive and efficient business owner with greater focus.
Pinstripe Media
Chloe McCormack: I’m a bit of an exercise junkie. My weekly routine usually consists of running every day before work. I also do a mix of reformer pilates and yoga three times a week to de-stress. Each day, I make a habit of having hot water and lemon in the morning, green tea during the day and taking probiotics at night. I also happen to be fructose intolerant so my diet is pretty restricted.
Akasha Yoga Pieces
Emily Klein: A sugar free diet and daily green smoothies! A mix of HIIT (high intensity interval training) and yoga depending on how my body feels. And plenty of sleep!
Kochie’s Business Builders
Libby Koch: We enjoy our workouts. David in the gym a few times a week and with me mixing it up between the gym and my favourite exercise, power walking in the park. I find a park or garden wherever I am. My ‘other half’ really enjoys us working out together on a Saturday. He thinks sweating over the rowing machines together is love!
Create Action Now
Cynthia Painter: Exercise every morning. Follow a healthy eating plan but most importantly I allow myself fun and down time by myself and with my family. Also, having a good perspective on life!
The Property Education Company
Louise Lucas: I regularly walk the Tan (Melbourne’s iconic walking track), eat three healthy meals and try and drink juice in between. But I need all the encouragement I can get and always want to do more!
Envision Empower Succeed
Anne Clark: I want to regain my confidence. To do this I need to lose weight, cut out ‘rubbish’ and opt for healthier alternatives. I have big dreams but I’m allowing my weight to hold me back. No more!
POP! Maternity
Laura Eyles: I exercise regularly with personal training sessions four times a week. Eating healthy and using exercise I enjoy to ‘clear my mind’ also helps!
Emma & Tom’s
Tom Griffith: It’s important for me to do something physical (mostly) every day. I have a rowing machine at home so 20 minutes hard completely cooks me. I like to run as much for the mental as physical exercise and I do exercise physiology once a week for core strength. I need to be fit and healthy, owning a small business whose strap line is Look After Yourself!
Time Stylers
Kate Christie: A big focus of my small business is to ensure people have the time to do the things they love – like exercising and staying healthy. My approach to staying healthy is to link having a healthy body with having a healthy mind. Every day I walk between 6 to 8km with my beautiful dog, Jimmy. It’s the best way to start the day physically, but it also gives me time to think, strategise and dream big without interruption.
Wealth Planning Partners
Amanda Cassar: I make sure that every year I engage in ‘food for the soul’ by giving time and money to charities and also taking ‘me time.’
Does someone you love need help?
The focus for World Health Day in 2017 is depression: lets talk. If you or someone you love is not feeling themselves then don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It is a rewarding path working in small business but it can also be challenging and isolating. Please seek help if you feel it would benefit you. Remember, you are not alone.
You can speak with your GP or health professional and ask for a referral to a psychologist. Beyond Blue are available to speak with for free 24/7 on tel: 1300 22 4636. You can also speak with Lifeline for free 24/7 on tel: 131114. Mens Line Australia is also available for free 24/7 for men to seek help and support tel: 1300 78 99 78.
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