From the Magazine: Taking care of the aches and pains

Why prioritizing your health is more important than you think

Running a garage and working in one is no easy task. It’s physically demanding, mentally exhausting and often leaves little time for personal well-being. Long hours, exposure to chemicals and heavy lifting take a toll on the body.

By the time I am working with shop owners, many have usually pushed themselves to their physical limit, believing that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. However, what if the real key to a thriving business is taking care of yourself first? 

Holistic health — caring for the body, mind and spirit — is crucial for shop owners. Without good health, productivity drops, decision-making suffers and business performance declines.

Here’s why prioritizing your well-being is essential for running a successful business. 

Your body is your greatest tool

Unlike employees who are able to clock in and out, shop owners often work long hours, handling everything from car repairs to customer service. Poor posture, heavy lifting and constant strain on the body can lead to chronic pain, back issues or serious injuries. 

Taking care of your body through proper nutrition, exercise and movement is not optional — it’s a necessity. Simple habits like staying hydrated, eating balanced meals and taking short, regular breaks reduce fatigue and improve stamina.

Consider adding mobility exercises or yoga to keep your muscles and joints healthy, ensuring you can work pain-free for years. Plus, its fun.

Mental clarity improves business decisions

A ship owner’s day is filled with problem-solving, managing employees, handling customers and making financial decisions. Stress and burnout can cloud judgment, leading to costly mistakes. 

Practices like mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises help improve focus and mental clarity. Prioritizing sleep is also essential in improving reaction time and cognitive function. By taking time to rest and reset, you’ll be in a better position to handle the daily demands of running a business. 

Taking care of your body through proper nutrition, exercise and movement is not optional — it’s a necessity.

Stress management prevents burnout

Many garage owners I speak to feel the pressure of keeping their business afloat, meeting customer expectations and dealing with unexpected problems that come up. Over time, this stress can lead to burnout, anxiety and even physical health problems like high blood pressure. 

Incorporating some stress-relief techniques into your daily routine is essential. Regular exercise, time spent in nature or engaging in hobbies outside of work help maintain balance. Additionally, learning to delegate tasks and setting boundaries with work hours can prevent exhaustion. A well-rested and relaxed leader is far more effective than one constantly running on empty. 

Your energy impacts your team and customers

As a shop owner, your energy sets the tone for your business. Employees look to you for leadership, and customers respond to your attitude. If you’re constantly drained or irritable, it affects team morale and customer satisfaction. 

Prioritizing holistic health ensures that you show up as your best self — energized, focused and positive. When you take care of yourself, you naturally create a better work environment, leading to higher employee retention and customer loyalty. 

Prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Ignoring health issues today can lead to costly medical bills and extended downtime in the future. A simple back strain can escalate into a severe injury, forcing you to take time off work. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise can lead to chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. 

A proactive approach to health — regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and daily movement — prevents long-term issues. Just as regular car maintenance keeps vehicles running smoothly, consistent self-care keeps you performing at your best. 

Running a garage successfully starts with taking care of yourself first. By focusing on holistic health — nourishing your body, managing stress, and maintaining mental clarity — you create a sustainable business and a healthier life.

Prioritizing well-being isn’t selfish; it’s the smartest investment you can make for both your business and your future.

If you think that taking care of yourself is too expensive, try the cost of not doing that. Before you fix another car, take a moment to check in with yourself. Your health is the foundation upon which your business thrives.

This article originally appeared in the April issue of CARS magazine