Business Zen: Take the steps to keep healthy

Russell Bell

SOME will have noted an absence of this column over past weeks. It was initially due to extensive travel, then -- last week -- I had laryngitis, which is particularly limiting when much of your time is spent participating in meetings.

It was a by-product of a cold incubated and delivered by our children. However, I managed to get through some desk work.

For the small business owner, illness and extended absences from work can be a major drain. Looking after yourself is important, particularly where your business relies on your skills and presence.

We all need time out to relax, recharge and to fortify our immunity.

Exercise is important in maintaining good health.

Coaching my daughter's football team has enabled fitness and a break from work in particular.

I have a keen sense for when I'm about to come down with something and self-diagnosed a strong headache as the beginning of my turn with the illness.

I assumed the inevitability of getting sick and cornered the Whanganui market for Nurofen+.

Some people have old favourites to keep one step ahead of illness.

So embedded in Bell family folklore is the humble cup of tea there are some in my family who prescribe tea like a doctor prescribes medication.

"Got a headache? Have a cup of tea"; "Sore throat -- cup of tea will fix that"; "Your daughter has head-butted you on the trampoline ... I'll put the kettle on".

I'm a real advocate for stopping work if you are ill, particularly where you are part of a team.

When we work in teams, if one of us goes down it makes things tougher.

So, look after yourself, get fit, eat right and slow down before illness slams on the brakes for you.

Balance Consulting is a Whanganui consultancy specialising in business strategy, process excellence and leadership mentoring -- contact Russell Bell on 021 2442421 or John Taylor on 027 4995872