Owning your own successful business will be the hardest job you ever have, but it will also be one of the most rewarding.

The stress of bills, late payments, bounced checks, risk, employees and much more can take their toll on your health. Long hours are also usually put in for the sake of the business. Lots of business owners start their day at 6 a.m. and don’t end it until midnight. Can you do this? Will your health suffer?

Something that can really help is to find a fun way to exercise during the start-up phase that can easily continue during the growth phase. I did a lot of gardening with my daughter that first year in business. I found it helped my stress levels to get out there and dig and plant and prune.

I am now in my own office space where it is more difficult to take the time to exercise. However, a lunchtime walk or run allows time away that can help put it all in perspective.