It's almost a given. Business owners, entrepreneurs, company executives, and just about anyone who is relied on to drum up business, raise capital, close deals, increase sales, and make damn sure payroll cheques don't bounce, sooner or later feels the inevitable stress that builds up in the proverbial pressure cooker.
Whether it builds slowly over time or spontaneously hits like a ton of bricks, stress is a killer -- literally. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. It's incredible. Think about it. Stress is associated with the top six causes of death!
In business, a million things can happen, and not happen, that might lead some execs to feel intense, prolonged stress. One of the side effects of intense, prolonged stress (that can be just as serious as a heart attack) is loss of productivity. Like stress itself, the effects of lost or diminished productivity can slowly sneak up on a business like a cloaked villain stalking its prey from the shadows before finally and fatally pouncing. When business owners get too distracted (i.e.: stressed) to notice or sense the deadly stalker, the results can be disastrous. Constant stress impedes one's ability to energetically, effectively, and expeditiously solve problems, and when problems don't get solved, they grow. Poor decisions, no decisions, missed opportunities -- it doesn't take long for things to go irreparably bad.
So, stress can lead to reduced productivity, and reduced productivity can lead to stress, and round and round it goes. So, what's the answer? How can stressed, productivity-impaired business owners, CEOs, and entrepreneurs stave off stress, serious health risks, and perhaps even the demise of their very businesses? Easily. They can exercise.
It's nothing new. It's not a new and improved idea. Exercise as a method for relieving stress has been around for eons and may be the one [form of stress management] most recommended by health care professionals.
"Exercise is...considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate." Anxiety and Depression Association of America
From something as simple as walking briskly 20 minutes a day to greater feats like working- out vigorously an hour a day, exercise in any form, reduces stress and increases productivity.
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