Let’s be honest. When you’re building a business, creating art, managing relationships, and still trying to answer every email with grace… taking care of your body can feel like one more thing on an endless list.
I’ve been there. Skipping meals because I’m “in the zone,” forgetting to stretch after hours hunched over a canvas, or pushing workouts to “tomorrow” for the third week in a row. The irony? We pour so much energy into our work, into making something meaningful, and forget that the most essential tool we have is us. Our body. Our mind. Our energy.
And when we’re run down, our creativity suffers too.
In fact, science backs this up. Studies have shown that physical activity not only boosts your energy but can also directly enhance creative thinking. According to Harvard Health, even moderate movement like walking or light exercise can increase your brain’s ability to generate new ideas and think more flexibly. It’s not just a feel-good bonus, it’s a creative asset.
I’ve learned (the hard way) that good art doesn’t come from burnout. It comes from alignment. Clarity. Presence. And those things thrive when you’re nourishing yourself; literally and figuratively. A short walk in the sun, a good night’s sleep, food that makes you feel awake instead of sluggish, these are not luxuries. They are fuel.
Taking care of your body is not a detour from your creative path. It is the path. It’s what allows you to show up consistently, think clearly, make bold decisions, and keep going when the work gets hard.
So if you’re in a season where wellness has taken a backseat, I get it. Start small. Take one step today. Breathe deeper. Eat something green. Go outside. Move your body, not to change it, but to thank it for carrying you this far.
Healthy doesn’t mean perfect. It means capable. And that’s exactly what we need to build a business—and a life—that lasts.
—Lesley
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