We know successful leaders lead from the heart – and that organizations benefit from the transparency and authenticity of their leaders.
We also know that stress and long hours on the job can take a toll on a leader’s heart, literally. Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the United States. February is national heart-health month.
The Leadership Professor doesn’t dish out health advice – she’s not that kind of doctor (and you’ll want to consult your medical professional on any health questions, concerns, or lifestyle changes you make). But she is willing to suggest you take a look at a new book and consider starting the “Quick Start Plan” from the Mayo Clinic. Mayo research has found it supports heart health.
Here’s the Mayo plan in an easy to remember form: Eat 5, Move 10, Sleep 8. [That translates into advice to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, move at least 10 extra minutes, and get 8 solid hours of sleep every day.]
To quote the Mayo Clinic on their new publication Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!: The Mayo Clinic Plan for Preventing and Conquering Heart Disease (from which the “Quick Start Plan” comes): the book “helps to distill doctors’ advice for a heart-healthy lifestyle into simple, practical steps, so it’s easy to take action right away” (from Sharing Mayo Clinic, Winter 2012, p.8).
Eat 5, Move 10, Sleep 8. The heart of leadership lies in the heart of the healthy leader. Spread the word!