A Finer Work-Life Balance

Dr. Sanjiva Wijesinha stresses the importance of investing in your health – now;

The beginning of a new year is probably the best time to talk about the 'balance of living'. Most of us are busy these days – each in our own way – making a living; and working hard to make a success of our lives. We work hard, earn reasonably well, and try to enjoy life and the fruits of our labour.

But, sometimes, we forget – particularly when we are young and consider ourselves indestructible – that living involves striking a fine balance between enjoying the present and preparing for the future. Just as most of us aim to save a portion of the money we earn each month, so should we also invest a portion of these earnings – and more importantly, our time – in looking after our own health.

Said my friend Pedro the other day, as he celebrated his 60th birthday: "If you can remain in good health as you get older, you can continue to work beyond what – in the 20th century – used to be called "retirement age". Even if you reduce your working hours as you get older and don't work full-time, you can still earn. So, investing in your health when you are young pays financial dividends – you can avoid getting that premature heart attack and go on to pocket a few years of extra earnings, while your colleagues have had to retire or stop working due to poor health!"

Just as people invest money in shares, investing money in one's health can certainly be financially beneficial. It doesn't matter whether you invest your money in a pair of good walking shoes or a pair of swimming trunks – or splurge it on a gym membership or a set of golf clubs. Spend what you can afford on what works for you. Money spent to ensure that you get adequate physical exercise in a manner that you enjoy is money well spent. If you remain physically fit and healthy, instead of retiring at 55 or 60, you can keep working (full-time, if you enjoy your work; or part-time, if you prefer it that way) well into what used to be called "old age".

I see far too many young people these days working long hours and neglecting their physical health. Teenagers who were fine sportspersons suddenly stop playing competitive sports, but because their eating habits were developed in their youth when they were burning up calories regularly spending time on the playing field, they continue eating the same quantities of food – despite sitting at desks and doing nothing more strenuous than pushing a computer mouse.

Doing a sedentary job does make you tired – especially if it is mentally demanding and you work until late in the evening, because you are trying to establish a career and create wealth. But if you can put in half an hour (or more) of good physical exercise between workplace and home – a brisk walk, a gym workout or even a session of dancing – you will get your circulation moving and it will help to keep your weight down.

I was once given some advice by a senior colleague – someone whom I felt at the time was successful in maintaining a fine balance between work and leisure. "Always remember the 'Rule of Threes'," he used to tell me. "Make sure that you use three hours every week, three days every month and three weeks every year to make time off the busy work schedule that you will inevitably have. Use the three hours to exercise, the three days to read and spend time with friends, the three weeks to go away from home on a vacation with the family. Fitness, friendships and family life – these are what constitute success; so, make sure that you invest enough time in cultivating these three. Otherwise, life becomes one continuous grind – and there is no point in acquiring riches and recognition if you miss out on health and happiness."
