A workplace or a playground?
The impact of work-related stress on health has been a subject of great interest over the recent past. The sudden deaths of so many talented young executives, most of who had no major known ailments, has raised a question mark over the effect work has on our health. So many illnesses are related to our lifestyle—and for most adults, much of their lifestyle derives from their work. Not only does work take up a significant part of our lives—we spend nearly half our waking hours at work—but the pressures of work also disrupt our wellbeing.
To be sure, pressure is a part and parcel of the contemporary work environment. Indeed, a certain amount of work stress is even good for the business as well as the employees—it keeps them alert and helps them discharge their duties well. It is when the stress crosses the threshold and becomes unmanageable for the employees that troubles begin. First, productivity falls. Then, job dissatisfaction sets in. This is often followed by illness—sometimes mild, and at other times, severe.
While you may hope and pray for your work circumstances to improve, and for your organisations to take some wellness initiatives, there is something more immediate that you can do—take charge of your own workplace wellness so that your work becomes what it’s meant to be—not just a source of income, but a meaningful occupation.
Trending this month, Liggy Webb, a behavioural change expert, tells you how to do just that as she underscores the need to look at the whole picture—not just physical fitness in isolation. Using her considerable experience and understanding of the human psychology, she offers simple-to-apply tips that are guaranteed to improve your wellness quotient at work, right away. All you need to do is try the approach she outlines.
To get you started, let me share with you a powerful perspective from Mark Twain: “Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions.” Let’s just say that your task is to convert your workplace into your playground. Then enjoy!
Read the full story here.