I often find that my work as a business coach and mentor often takes me into ‘unusual discussions”. For example, one subject that frequently comes up is ‘a healthy work out’. I discover that many of my clients just do not exercise.

Why keep fit? Well I am no expert, but I can tell you from my experience that on those days when I do work out in the early morning, I tend to be far more proactive and productive later on in the day. To take this one step further,  on more than one occasion, I have taken clients into supermarkets and shown them how to choose healthy food while remaining on a low budget.

Yes, for me, by running an extra kilometer means that I am better prepared to take on the trials of a taxing customer.   I do not understand the science and the biology, but it works.

So I wish to share with you three most unusual exercises or practices that have made a positive difference to my work schedule.

1. Suffering from lack of concentration? Many of us reach that moment in our work day when we just want to sleep. We lose our focus, usually in the middle of the most critical of meetings. In order to prevent this happening, early in the morning, I carry out 15 squats. The key is that during the movements, I gently hold my left ear lobe with my right thumb and finger and the same for the other side. I also breath in and then out methodically during each up and then downward movement. Don’t ask me why, but it works. Concentration has vastly improved over the years.
2. Cannot sleep at night? We all know how that makes us feel the next day. One remedy I now use is to walk away from the computer at least two hours before I go to bed. For good measure, I keep the hardware in a separate room.
3. Waking up in the middle of the night? Blow your nose, and make doubly sure that your left nostril is clear. Now, if you think that sounds stupid, I agree with you. But it works for me, and helps me go back to sleep quickly.

And here’s one bonus piece of news. Even if you do not exercise, try to find 15 minutes a day to speed walk. Even for the most grumpiest of my clients, this has made a vast and positive difference.

What is in it for you? Consider you are a small business owner. For many such people, being efficient is crucial. There just do not seem to be enough hours in the average work day. What I have listed here are simple, healthy and practical tips to improve your productivity and to help you to enjoy your work. And for me, I can see how they have helped to improve the revenue stream. Good luck!