Fuel injectors spray, spark plugs fire, and pistons move into the correct position at just the right time. These interconnected rhythms within the engine are essential to its functionality. And while this is vital to automotive performance, rhythmic connections are also found throughout the natural world. One of the most important bonds to acknowledge is that between the mind and body.

You cannot separate your body from your mind. Anything that affects the health and energy of your mind will affect your body. And anything that affects the health and energy of your body will affect your mind. This connection makes up your overall health, which determines how you perform at work, at home — in life!

Happy Mind, Healthy Body

Just as the engine is impacted by the injectors, spark plugs and pistons, your health is impacted by your state of mind. And a happy mind leads to wellness. When you are in a positive head space, your body tells you what it needs to keep healthy, and you are naturally drawn to habits like eating well, exercising and valuing sleep.

These behaviors keep your immune system strong, and the mind-body connection will do everything it can to protect the system.

Here are a few things I’ve found that help me stay healthy:

• Choose a variety of healthy foods. The more varied, the more likely you are getting the nutrients you need.

• Experiment with different types of exercise, and do what is fun. Fun physical activities boost your happiness level, release dopamine, and reduce stress. And if you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stick with the activity.

• Make sure you give your body a break. Relaxation improves mental health, lowers blood pressure, and improves digestion.

• Get enough sleep. It’s as important as healthy eating and exercise.

When people are unhappy, they often turn to destructive behaviors and habits in the search to heal the mind, body and soul. Even the fear of getting sick can cause anxiety that manifests in illness. Essentially, you can make yourself sick!

The Agency Connection

So, what does all this have to do with anything related to your agency or the dealerships you serve? Well, if you aren’t healthy, it affects your ability to work and create revenue. According to Forbes, poor worker health costs U.S. employers $575 billion a year due to things like lost productivity, worker absence, and chronic conditions.

Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and taking time for relaxation protects against stress, anxiety and depression. That, in turn, allows your mind to focus on the career or family goals you seek.

Every person has the ability to tune up his or her thoughts and get their body running at peak performance. You do not have to be a victim of your circumstances. When you eat right, think right, sleep right, and play right, you will optimize your natural rhythms and achieve your goals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Ibarra is a managing director for Portfolio, a leading provider of reinsurance and F&I programs, and a nationally recognized leadership consultant, entrepreneur, speaker and author.