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Bosses are putting
their health at risk by working the longest hours in the UK and not taking time
for exercise. Eighty three percent of business owners regularly work many more
hours than the national 35 per week. As a result 58% said work stress made
personal and family life difficult. Yet only one percent of owner managers in
the Midlands said that they took any form of regular exercise because they spent
so long at work. Only thirteen percent admitted their health was deteriorating
because of stress. A study questioned 500 small business owners with less than
250 employees about their work/lifestyle balance. It revealed that they were
victims of stress and had very little time to relax or enjoy time with their
families. When they do relax
60% felt the best way to unwind was with a meal in a restaurant. Sixty one
percent of company owners admitted that they thought their absence from work
through illness would badly affect business. Almost two thirds (63%) said their
work responsibilities were more stressful than they originally expected. It was found that
small business owners often work 70 hour weeks and are then to stressed to be
able to unwind properly. This is obviously taking a heavy toll—our work is
being put before our health. The best bosses know when to switch off and do
something different. Too many of them work long hours thinking that they are
indispensable and that it is the answer to the problem, and totally ignore the
consequences. 10 Healthy Answers to reduce Stress1.
Exercise reduces stress hormones—try to go for a brisk walk, visit the
gym or swim at least three times a week. 2.
Fit exercise into your work—play squash with a client or organise a
company team to compete in a charity fun run. (be sure not to overdo it
particularly if you have not exercised in preparation). 3.
Drink plenty of water—increasing intake will assist concentration. 4.
Eat healthy lunches—take plenty of fruit, and cut out chocolate and
crisps. 5.
Set a time to stop work and stick to it! 6.
Do not take work home to often and be prepared to switch off the mobile
phone. 7.
Take short breaks during the day. 8.
Make weekends special through activities with friends and family. 9.
Prioritise your workload—have a ‘to do’ list and a ‘things to
stop doing and delegate’ list. 10.
Have the confidence to delegate—you don’t have to do everything
yourself unless you really are a one man business then you don’t have a choice
but you still need to relax and get away from it sometimes, make time for it you
know it makes sense. |
Send mail to adrian@healthyanswers.co.uk with
questions or comments about this web site.
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