Lisa Messenger, founder of Collective Hub, is a bundle of energy. She’s always on the go — busily growing her business internationally. How does she managed to stay smiling and healthy despite a crazy-busy schedule?
We asked her about her top 3 must-dos when it comes to taking care of herself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Plus, we found out all about her secret weapon when it comes to staying healthy, happy and successful.
What are your top three must-dos when it comes to taking care of yourself physically?
- Eating well – you have to nourish yourself from the inside out and I feel dreadful when I don’t eat properly. It’s especially difficult when you are travelling but I’ve made a decision to spend more for better food and to prioritise my time to get it or make it, to ensure I eat well all the time. I always start the day with a green smoothie but I need to make a note here as well, that I’m not obsessed with the food I eat – I keep it balanced and I certainly enjoy carbs and treats in balance.
- Move your body – I love to train and push myself hard, but there are times when I’ll opt for yoga or a slow beach walk with my dog Benny. Either way, I do try and get outside and move my body every single day. I am a big believer that fresh air and some sunshine is also good for the soul; it certainly is for mine.
- Sleep – I am a big fan of sleep! I am certainly not one of those entrepreneurs living on four or five hours of the stuff each night. It’s quite the contrary and I know personally that I need it to function well – and keep my head in the game – each day. In some circles, it’s bragging rights to sleep less, but I’m not sure that’s healthy or helpful for aspiring entrepreneurs in achieving a good work-life blend.
What are your top three must-dos when it comes to taking care of yourself mentally?
- Meditate – sometimes it is in the form of moving meditation while I jog and other times I will have more dedicated time at home for this, but when your world gets busy, it’s important to be intentional about creating still, calm moments of peace in your world.
- Sleep (see above) – it keeps my head strong and my mind in the game.
- Connect with big thinkers – I try and spend at least two mornings a week with big thinkers who stretch me mentally. It’s easy to put yourself last when your business grows and your world expands, but you must remember that without you, it wouldn’t have been in the first place so you have to look after that one powerful asset you have – your brain.
What are your top three must-dos when it comes to taking care of yourself emotionally/spiritually?
- Continually check in with yourself – it’s easy to get stuck in life and wonder how on earth you got there and this can have a huge flow-on affect emotionally and spiritually. Instead, instil moments of forced reflection into your life, even if it’s just one good question a day or a week. Am I happy? Did I achieve something meaningful this week? Am I track with the bigger goals in my life? If the answer is ‘yes’ then that’s great. If it’s a ‘no’ then do some personal course correction.
- Spend time in a power place – There is incredible power in having a place where you can go to ‘plug in’ and walk away feeling energetically full, stronger and more empowered to take on whatever life has thrown your way. It can bring you back to your centre, help you reconnect with your purpose, your values, your inner strength and your physical self, with incredible transformative capabilities. It might simply be going to the beach, at a high point or in a spiritual home like a church or temple.
- Don’t be afraid to change – don’t box yourself in emotionally, if things aren’t working out then make change quickly. It’s ok to say no and it’s ok to pull back (or equally, to move forward) if you feel that is the course for now.
And finally…
What habit is your secret weapon for staying successful and at the top of your game?
Looking after yourself. Make it a non-negotiable because it can all come crumbling down really fast if you don’t look after yourself, body, mind and spirit. This includes a lot of the previous answers; but in summary for me, that means making health your number one priority.
See Lisa at The Wellness Festival Sydney
Lisa is a guest speaker at The Wellness Festival Sydney. The Wellness Festival features a signature full-day program of health and wellness experiences including sessions with inspiring health experts and entrepreneurs, a live DJ, lunchtime workout, and wellness market, as well as tempting healthy eats and treats.
The Wellness Festival Sydney
When: Saturday, 15th October 2016
Where: Commune, 901 Bourke St, Waterloo NSW 2017
Lisa was inducted into the 2016 Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame. You can read her success strategies and her inspiring business story here.
