Are You Thriving or Just Surviving? 5 Ways to Boost Your Healthspan as an Executive

Healthspan in action

What if you could lead with more energy, focus, and clarity without burning out? As an executive, your healthspan—the years you live in vibrant health—could be the key to unlocking your greatest potential. After stepping away from the corporate grind, I discovered five science-backed strategies that transformed my life, and they can do the same for you.

What Is Healthspan?

Healthspan is the period of your life spent in robust health, free from chronic diseases, with sharp mental clarity and physical vitality. Unlike lifespan, which only measures how long you live, healthspan focuses on quality—ensuring you thrive, not just survive, through the demands of leadership.

Here are five practical ways to boost your healthspan, plus a game-changing bonus from my executive coaching protocol with Brain Health Nebraska.

1. Anchor Success in Purpose and Values

Why It Matters: Chasing wins without purpose leaves you hollow and drained. Aligning your goals with your values fuels sustainable energy and focus, keeping burnout at bay.

How to Do It: Set goals that reflect your core beliefs, not just your resume. Dedicate 30 minutes daily to a passion project or serving others. Break big goals into small, stress-free steps.

Science: Purpose-driven goals lower cortisol and boost mental resilience (Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2020).

prTMS Boost: Personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (prTMS) sharpens cognitive clarity, enhancing strategic decision-making.

2. Build a Lasting Legacy Through Impact

Why It Matters: True leadership inspires others, but you need health and presence to make a difference.

How to Do It: Mentor a colleague, share your expertise, or support a cause. Schedule weekly time to connect with family or your community—collaboration trumps competition.

Science: Social engagement cuts cognitive decline risk by 50% (Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 2019).

prTMS Boost: prTMS improves mood regulation, making authentic connections easier.

3. Strengthen Your Relationships

Why It Matters: Deep connections reduce stress and add years to your life, keeping you grounded amidst executive pressures.

How to Do It: Prioritize in-person interactions—join a local group or host regular dinners with friends or colleagues.

Science: Strong social ties can extend life by up to 7 years (PLOS Medicine, 2010).

prTMS Boost: By reducing anxiety, prTMS makes social interactions more enjoyable.

4. Supercharge Your Brain

Why It Matters: A sharp mind is your greatest asset for resilience and performance.

How to Do It: Commit to 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly, and eat nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Science: Exercise and sleep slash chronic disease risk by 80% (The Lancet, 2018).

prTMS Boost: prTMS enhances sleep quality, accelerating physical and mental recovery.

5. Embrace Fun and Adventure

Why It Matters: Fun keeps your brain agile and your spirit energized, countering the monotony of routine.

How to Do It: Try hiking, learning a new skill, or traveling somewhere new. Schedule one “adventure day” each month.

Science: Novel experiences boost neuroplasticity, sharpening cognitive function (Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2015).

prTMS Boost: prTMS enhances neural adaptability, making it easier to embrace new challenges.

Take Charge of Your Healthspan Today

Executives, your leadership thrives on stamina, clarity, and resilience. Don’t let the corporate grind dim your potential. Healthspan is the foundation of your success—start today by picking one strategy and committing to it for 30 days. Your body, mind, and career will thank you.

Want to take your performance to the next level? My Executive Coaching protocol, paired with prTMS through Brain Health Nebraska, can supercharge your cognitive and physical health. Email me at Mark@MarkMathia.com to learn how to maximize your leadership potential at any stage of your journey.