Options... We need to admit that we have problems in the area of Business Quality of life(BQOL). What options, and tools do we have to improve BQOL, quality of life for Business people?
The first step (as in most problems in life) is to acknowledge there is a problem. The next step should be to make BQOL a priority. If we make BQOL top priority depends on the individual, and their individual circumstances. But I recommend making BQOL a top priority for most of us. Even if we keep working long days, and sometimes weekends, there are still proven remedies we can take advantage of. One great option is a simple meditation. A simple meditation I use daily is relaxing of the body starting at the head, and ending at the toes. A detailed procedure is beyond scope here, but for a short description of the technique; the eyes are closed, then focus on a couple controlled breathes, then start a suggestion to relax the head, then the eyes, and so on, until I arrive at the toes. Many other deeper meditations are available, but the simple technique I describe only takes about 10 minutes, and can be done at ones desk, if it is a quiet spot. Exercise is another option. Even light exercise three times a week, such as light weight lifting, can have a significant positive impact on reducing stress, and increasing strength, and flexibility. Running roughly every other day is a great option. At a couple corporate jobs I used my lunch time to do a 15 to 20 minute run, and still had time to eat a light lunch after the run. Please consult with your family physician before you start a new exercise program. Massages are another option. These are a bit more invasive, as you normally need to get yourself to the Masseuse's place of business. But maybe the best option is work hire a professional coach. Some Coaching practices, like mine, is phone-based. This format is least invasive. All that is needed is a quiet area, such as a small empty meeting room, and a phone. Professional Coaching has been shown to increase productivity, organization, as well as other areas that are important for the business environment. For a complete list, see the International Coaching Federation (ICF) website. All of the above options assumes that work hours remain the same. I have saved the hardest option for last. This is to seek to reduce the working hours if this is an issue to BQOL. This may involve a discussion with one's supervisor. In some cases this might be a difficult conversation. The pressures to work long hours for an organization is real. Still most managers realize there needs to be a balance between work, home, family, and recreation. If working unusually long hours is a constant issue for BQOL, the worst thing is to ignore the issue. Again, this is another situation where a Coach, especially a Career, or Business coach has great value in helping to negotiate the murky waters of work hours versus family, and free time.
The first step (as in most problems in life) is to acknowledge there is a problem. The next step should be to make BQOL a priority. If we make BQOL top priority depends on the individual, and their individual circumstances. But I recommend making BQOL a top priority for most of us. Even if we keep working long days, and sometimes weekends, there are still proven remedies we can take advantage of. One great option is a simple meditation. A simple meditation I use daily is relaxing of the body starting at the head, and ending at the toes. A detailed procedure is beyond scope here, but for a short description of the technique; the eyes are closed, then focus on a couple controlled breathes, then start a suggestion to relax the head, then the eyes, and so on, until I arrive at the toes. Many other deeper meditations are available, but the simple technique I describe only takes about 10 minutes, and can be done at ones desk, if it is a quiet spot. Exercise is another option. Even light exercise three times a week, such as light weight lifting, can have a significant positive impact on reducing stress, and increasing strength, and flexibility. Running roughly every other day is a great option. At a couple corporate jobs I used my lunch time to do a 15 to 20 minute run, and still had time to eat a light lunch after the run. Please consult with your family physician before you start a new exercise program. Massages are another option. These are a bit more invasive, as you normally need to get yourself to the Masseuse's place of business. But maybe the best option is work hire a professional coach. Some Coaching practices, like mine, is phone-based. This format is least invasive. All that is needed is a quiet area, such as a small empty meeting room, and a phone. Professional Coaching has been shown to increase productivity, organization, as well as other areas that are important for the business environment. For a complete list, see the International Coaching Federation (ICF) website. All of the above options assumes that work hours remain the same. I have saved the hardest option for last. This is to seek to reduce the working hours if this is an issue to BQOL. This may involve a discussion with one's supervisor. In some cases this might be a difficult conversation. The pressures to work long hours for an organization is real. Still most managers realize there needs to be a balance between work, home, family, and recreation. If working unusually long hours is a constant issue for BQOL, the worst thing is to ignore the issue. Again, this is another situation where a Coach, especially a Career, or Business coach has great value in helping to negotiate the murky waters of work hours versus family, and free time.
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