Entrepreneurship is a dream for many, as they desire to earn money on their terms. Indeed, being a business owner allows you to craft a career aligned to suit your goals and interests while addressing consumer needs. Moreover, you get total autonomy over your work, which increases your motivation and productivity. However, entrepreneurship isn't without its downsides. Research indicates that entrepreneurs have a higher risk of compromising their health due to their unhealthy work-life balance. Therefore, knowing some common health problems you'll likely face is prudent. Here are a few worth considering and how to stop them.

1. Heart disease

It's not uncommon for business owners to work long hours without taking breaks. However, this may be more harmful than beneficial, and avoiding it is essential. Admittedly, you may have a strong inclination to speak with clients, formulate strategies and take care of your business operations without taking time. However, this can increase your stress levels. And prolonged stress can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. A 2020 research indicated a direct link between self-employment and increased cardiovascular diseases among Americans. Fortunately, you can prevent these by reducing your stress levels.

To start, plan your day the night before to determine what you should do. You'll also find establishing your opening and closing hours and limiting your work-related activities to this time helpful. Consequently, take short breaks between working hours to stretch and release stress.

2. Migraines

Migraines are also common among business owners. And they can be triggered by unhealthy habits you're holding on to. For instance, you risk migraines if you have a poor sleep routine and are constantly tired. Also, missed meals, dehydration, excess caffeine consumption, and certain foods can trigger these painful headaches. Also, your work environment can increase your risk of developing them, so keep this in mind. And if left unaddressed, migraines can quickly develop into migrainous infarction or migrainous stroke. Other complications include status migrainosus, migraine-triggered seizures, rebound headaches, serotonin syndrome, and stomach issues.

The good news is you can prevent migraines easily by replacing your unhealthy habits with better options. If you hardly get enough sleep, you'd find it helpful to create and stick to a sleep routine. As a tip, avoid taking caffeine and switch off your smart devices before sleeping. Consequently, avoid skipping meals; enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, inspect your workspace and fix whatever may stress you, e.g., inadequate lighting, excess clutter, etc.

3. Eye problems

If your business requires using a computer or smart device, you may experience work-related eye problems. Indeed, reading digital can be more taxing on your eyes than printed text. And you risk developing dry eyes, fatigue, and eye strain. Several factors can trigger eye strain, including screen glare, poor lighting, and viewing your devices at the wrong angle and distance. On the other hand, dry eyes occur when you blink less when reading, which is common when using smart devices. Fortunately, you can prevent eye problems with the right tips. Ensure that your computer's screen is 25 inches away, with the screen's center approximately ten to fifteen degrees below eye level.

You can also invest in a matte screen filter for your devices and follow the 20-20-20 rule. The 20-20-20 rule requires that you look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. As a tip, take a break for 15 minutes for every 2 hours you spend on your devices, and leverage artificial tears to moisten your eyes when they feel dry. Consequently, use a humidifier in your workspace, and ensure that the area is properly lit. By all means, don't let your device's light be brighter than your office. Visiting your optometrist is also prudent, as you can acquire the right glasses to help you work without damaging your eyes.

4. Addiction

Research by the University of San Francisco revealed that entrepreneurs are thrice likelier to develop substance abuse. Business owners are not uncommon to experience prolonged periods of loneliness while dealing with stress and the fear of failure. And this can cause them to seek solace in alcohol and drugs to escape the pressure. However, this may become an addiction that can be difficult to correct. Also, back pain, headaches, and other body pain may require you to take painkillers to alleviate the symptoms. However, some pain medications contain opioids that could keep you hooked. This, in turn, can affect your physical and mental health. For starters, the toxins in these drugs can damage your liver, brain, and heart. Also, you can develop depression, paranoia, anxiety, aggression, and impulsivity.

It's not wrong to seek assistance when you feel overwhelmed with pressure from work. You can seek solace in your friends and family, so keep this in mind. You can also take time off to destress and gather your thoughts. Maybe you've already gotten addicted to alcohol or drugs. In this situation, you can seek professional services to help you out. For instance, you can work with a credible behavioral health group if you are addicted to painkillers. This way, you can learn more about how opioids affect the brain and how you can stop taking them.

5. Weight problems

It's not unusual to think that entrepreneurs lead active lives and are in top physical condition. However, this is far from the truth. Various studies have linked obesity with entrepreneurship for good reasons. For starters, extreme stress can make you more susceptible to developing unhealthy eating habits, contributing to weight gain. You have more risk if you have an office job, as you can sit for long hours. However, you don't have to gain weight because you are an entrepreneur.

You can maintain your trim figure by taking active steps to ward off stress. And if you are susceptible to eating when stressed, ensure that you have healthy snack options. Consequently, invest in ergonomic desks that allow you to stand or sit. This way, you don't have to sit for prolonged periods. You can also create an exercise routine, leveraging your favorite workouts to achieve the desired results.

Common Health Problems Entrepreneurs Face