Business
Healthy individuals equal healthy organizations
Published
9 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Johanne Bouchard EBS Business Columnist
I am increasingly passionate about striking a healthy balance in all aspects of life. To me, this means combining physical, emotional and mental health with the many demands and pleasures in this world.
In part, it’s a desire to see individuals living fully, but also stems from my firsthand experience seeing how individuals’ overall health – or lack thereof – affects the prosperity of organizations.
In a previous column about the importance of succession planning, I addressed how losing a key manager to health issues can affect a business. In my work as a board and executive consultant, I’ve seen the long-term negative effects of high stress; low physical activity from years of desk work; poor diet from eating “convenience” food or skipping meals; sleep deprivation; and ergonomically incorrect work stations, to name a few examples.
It’s only a matter of time before factors like these affect the intellectual acuity, energy level and morale of the people responsible for the wellbeing and productivity of the organization. A trickle-down effect also exists in business – imbalanced leaders who don’t prioritize their own wellness affect everybody.
I believe empowerment of the individual is the solution. How can you, as a business owner, executive, board member or employee, take the best care of yourself for your own sake and the sake of your colleagues? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few basics that can make a world of difference:
Adequate sleep. A good night’s sleep is the foundation for good health. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “If you’re sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change.” How well and how much are you sleeping? If it’s possible, incrementally increase your night’s sleep by going to bed even 15 minutes earlier than usual. The long-term benefits to your productivity will be dramatic.
Adequate water. If you’re constantly drinking coffee, tea or soda during the day, and rarely drink a glass of water, you’re probably dehydrated. This can manifest in headaches and general fogginess, among other symptoms. Investing in a re-usable water bottle to carry with you and use during the day is a manageable solution.
Adequate activity. As our dependence on computers has risen and our leisure time has become increasingly dominated by screens, so has our collective time sitting. If there’s no way around the sedentary nature of your work, try setting an alarm to go off once an hour and trigger a “standing/walking break.” And if you have the option, choose a more active position for working, like a stand-up desk or walking during one-on-one brainstorming sessions.
Of course there’s always more we can all do to achieve balanced lifestyles. But the fact remains that we live in an era when personal health is often subverted by the demands of career, family and material success. Consider how the trickle-down effect might impact organizations if business leaders made their own comprehensive health a priority.
Johanne Bouchard, a former high-tech marketing executive, is a leadership advisor to CEOs, executives and entrepreneurs, as well as an expert in corporate board composition and dynamics. Visit johannebouchard.com to learn more or download her recently published eBooks “Board Composition” and “Board Basics.”
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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