In business there is a lot of talk about the bottom line and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. With the development of technology and the easy access to connecting with others, there is no real end to the business day.The challenge is that health issues affect the bottom line for businesses and the employees.   There is a lack of consideration of one’s health and wellness when whatever it takes to get the job done is today’s predominant mindset.Our body is constantly giving us information; it can start with gentle signs and if ignored, it can turn into more severe problems. Some of the symptoms of work stress include having a short temper, high blood pressure, heartburn, lower back, knee pain, diabetes, constipation, and progress to insomnia, stiffness the inability to get out of bed easily, and in some cases heart attacks. There are five tools you can immediately incorporate into your work life to increase your health and the bottom line: 1.      Schedule 15 minutes for you: Look at your calendar every day and schedule 15 minutes just for you.  You can take a walk, enjoy your favorite coffee, listen to music, or anything else that takes you away from what requires your attention to do for others and focus on you.  This time will usually provide the needed space to relax, have more clarity, and be inspired with solutions for your work life.

2.      Know when you are the most productive: Are you a morning person or a night owl? Look at which parts of the day you function the greatest and maximize that time to do your work or anything that requires your maximum level of attention and creativity.  What you enjoy the most usually requires the least amount of energy and effort to do so leave it to the times you actually have the least amount of energy.

  3.      Don’t take everything personal: As soon as you take everything personal, you also internalize it. No matter what is going on at work with your team, the business, or your customers, ask questions. If everything were the opposite of what it appears to be, would this be as significant as I am making it be? What other options are available that have not even been considered?

  4.      Perceived priorities vs. actual priorities: It may appear as though everything needs to be done the minute you hear about it. Look at your current schedule and ask more questions of the person assigning the project. What are the true deadlines and what has more flexibility? Are you required on the project or who could you add that can be a contribution to reaching the targets?

5.      Listen to your body: Pay attention to the signs and symptoms of your body. Many experience signs in their body when their level of stress increases at work. What are you doing to deal with the extra stress? Find an outlet that works for you and your body. Bodies naturally like to move, this also ensures muscles and organs remain healthy. There are lots of options to choose from; going to the gym, doing yoga, breathing exercises, dancing, or anything else that works for you. When the body is healthy, it has more energy and the capacity to be more productive.

The desire to grow and constantly advance in our career is something most people are striving for; at the same time, it is important to listen to your body and create ways to ensure you are healthy enough to excel in your career. [author]About the Author: Laleh Alemzadeh-Hancock is a management and professional services consultant, Joy of Business facilitator and the founder and CEO of global professional services company, Belapemo. With nearly 30 years’ experience in operational excellence, change management and business consulting, Laleh has inspired and empowered thousands of individuals including Fortune 500 executives, government agencies, non-profit organizations, athletes and veterans. A lifelong entrepreneur and passionate change-agent, Laleh strives to seek out possibility in every problem and aims to facilitate strategic change and optimal growth for all her clients. She is an advocate for people of ages with special needs or disabilities and their caregivers, and served on the Governor of Maryland’s Caregivers Support Coordinating Council for four years. Through her organization, Global Wellness for All, Laleh inspires individuals, particularly those with perceived disability, to demand more from life and seek greater success.  [/author]