It’s no news that a fast-paced realm of metropolitan work life requires competent management skills, efficiency, good decision-making abilities, and a lot more to reach the top. But the major catch for top leaders and business professionals is to seek strategies for enhancing their efficiency to achieve the above-mentioned things.
Several managers, leaders, and top executives struggle to find their feet when it comes to balancing their personal and professional lives. This is because the double-edged sword of corporate culture extends beyond office premises and impacts one’s energy and vitality. A disturbed lifestyle with imbalanced work-life equilibrium results in deteriorating optimal health. Yes, believe it or not, diet and lifestyle have been linked to cognitive functioning for years.
Therefore, in order to keep everything intact, intermittent fasting has become the new buzzword in the market. This special type of fasting has well-documented results that not just shape physical health but also help in boosting one’s mental health.
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting is quite a straightforward dietary pattern that oscillates between the window of eating and fasting. However, unlike all the other fad diets, the method doesn’t preach about what to eat. It rather focuses on when to eat. The whole process involves a time-bound period of usually 16 hours where one cannot have anything. Meanwhile, all the daily intake of calories can happen in an 8-hour window during the day. Â
Practicing this method may keep your weight gain, cholesterol, heart health and inflammation in check. Intermittent fasting can even improve mental health.
What are the benefits of intermittent fasting for leaders and managers?
Intermittent fasting is the key to multiple cognitive benefits which can help working professionals with better management and problem-solving skills. It can provide a mental edge during difficult moments of decision-making. The special type of fasting can even help one with stress resilience. Let’s explore the benefits of intermittent fasting in detail.Â
Brain boosting
It’s fascinating to know that your body releases ketones while fasting. They act as an alternative source of energy for the brain and help leaders with efficiency, mindfulness, and acuity during critical times.
Better productivity and energy levels
Overeating or binge eating all day can impact your health and tends to exhaust you by the evening. That’s the reason to make way for cyclic fasting as it can make changes to your blood sugar levels in your body and can increase insulin sensitivity. As a result, you may experience better productivity, focus, and energy levels throughout the day.
Stress resilience
Intermittent fasting can work as a boon for your mental health as it can reduce the chances of stress and depression. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a hormone present in your brain is responsible for depression. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, fasting can improve the levels of BDNF and can save you from getting stressed or depressed. Â
Improved work culture
A leader’s behaviour has the potential to impact the entire organisation’s work culture. If the bosses exhibit a lack of patience, tolerance, and problem-solving methods, it is bound to influence the professional environment as well as employees. Therefore, one needs intermittent fasting as it can reduce stress levels and cultivate a healthy work culture.
Better time management
A properly structured approach to eating can encourage corporate leaders to invest their time more efficiently. Practicing this can foster a working environment which is signified by increased focus and productivity.
How to do intermittent fasting?
In order to start intermittent fasting, one needs to pick a method that aligns with their lifestyle. For example, if you are going with the 16/8 process, eat nutrient-rich foods and lighter meals throughout the window of 8 hours. Meanwhile, try not to have anything at all during the remaining 16 hours of the day. However, if you find it difficult in the start, have tea, coffee, or healthy beverages. Water is one of the best things to keep you full and hydrated during the day. Have around 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day.
Disclaimer: While intermittent fasting boasts of promising benefits, it is important for everyone to approach any dietary changes mentioned in the article after being fully assured by a doctor or a healthcare professional. This is because some changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns can negatively impact your health. The information provided here is for educational purposes and should not be followed blindly without any professional consultation.
