WORKPLACE WELLNESS
Self awareness first step to balanced life
Listening to your body
essential I was giving a bodywork session to a client of mine recently and the topic of lunch came up. I was surprised to hear that even though her
workplace is health conscious, many of her coworkers don’t always take a break, but rather sit in front of the computer munching on food, trying to catch up on deadlines.
This story reminded me of my sister and a health dilemma she had some years ago. She was never the type to leave the house in the morning, a toast in her mouth, a coffee in one hand, a briefcase in the other,
running to make it in time for work. She has been a successful insurance broker for most of her adult life. The work is intense, stressful and demanding. At
52 she looks great. But it could have been otherwise. About 10 years ago, into her 40s, she was looking and feeling older. Up early, working late, drinking too much coffee and eating food that did not agree with her; she was a typical
businessperson in the roaring ‘90s. When chunks of her hair started falling out, she decided to put on the brakes and assess her lifestyle. After consulting
her physician, then a nutritionist, she made some significant changes. For my sister, stress and diet were the areas that needed the most attention. She discovered healthy food alternatives that suited her body’s needs, cut down on the
extra cup of coffee, and paid more attention to her habits. In short, she made conscious decisions. “There are four forces that will shape consumers
markets,” pollster Angus Reid says, “technology, globalization, an aging population and new consumers values that emphasize self-reliance.” Many are realizing the benefits of being proactive when it comes to their own health. Wellness is
becoming part of the equation for a successful life. After a few years of responding to the challenges, demands and stresses of the work environment, regular
observation of what makes us feel good or bad can be useful. Chronic pain, weight and digestive problems, depression and fatigue as well as lack of stamina and drive, are but a few signs to pay attention to as soon as they start to
appear. A preventive approach calls for awareness right now. Changing habits is not easy, yet small steps can lead the way to a more fulfilling life.
The work environment is increasingly demanding. According to Health Canada, Canadians spend two thirds of their waking hours in the work place. Lunchtime is an
opportunity to step away from the computer, the phone, the stress and do something that is engaging in other ways. For some, a furious session at the gym, a
workout, a yoga class or a run with an invigorating shower two or three times a week will bring lots of vitality, while others will feel drained and depleted by such a regimen.
For others – not enamored of the great indoors – breathing fresh air from a walk to the sea wall, the forest, or the street will be energizing.
Listen to what feels good to you, instead of what the current trend is. If it’s too stressful for you to go to the gym or take a class at lunchtime, you might decide to simply relax and have a good meal.
Whichever way, observe yourself and do what is most enjoyable to you. For my sister the discomfort of stepping out of the familiar was difficult, but
continuing on the same path would have been far worse. She consulted professionals who helped her gain clarity in her situation and became more aware of the relationship between what she did and how she felt. She made changes that
answered her needs to feel better. Almost immediately she had more vitality and her health improved. Today, she goes to bed earlier than before to
accommodate her need for more sleep. At work she stops when she is tired; she knows her limits and respects them. She goes home for lunch three days out of five. She has only two cups of coffee a day. For her, the beginning of wellness
is to develop and maintain a self awareness. In the next issue I will look at companies who have an integrated wellness program in their workplace. If you
have a story to tell or comments about this column please email me. |
