Keeping a business afloat in this tough economy can be a big challenge. Lots of owners are putting in more time at work -- and it's taking a toll on their health, a new study shows.
The study of more than 2,000 business owners, from business-research company Manta, showed new business activity rose 12 percent in the third quarter. Overall, business owners declared it a good year -- 72 percent said they had a successful 2011.
But hitting the gym -- not so much.
In the study, 44 percent of respondents said the tougher business conditions this year sent their work/life balance out of whack:
- One in three said they worked out less
- 22 percent report they've gained weight
- 14 percent said they lose their temper and argue more with family and co-workers
The prime cause of the additional flab and missed gym appointments? More work hours.
Well more than half of respondents -- 63 percent -- said they're averaging more than 40 hours a week at work. Nearly one in ten said they put in more like 70 hours a week.
On a positive note, most business owners surveyed seemed to see 2011 as a dark tunnel from which they expect to shortly emerge. Over 90 percent of the owners were optimistic about their company's growth potential for next year.
Word to the wise: Don't let work knock out your workouts. It's important to stay healthy and fit -- or your health will suffer, and then your business will ultimately suffer, too.
One way to do that is to delegate more. Another is to look at how your business is set up.
Does your business model allow you to walk away from the business and take breaks, or do you have to be there all the time? Maybe take the holidays to think about how your business runs -- and how it could be restructured to need less face time from you.
How is your business is affecting your health? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Comments:
Its a very nice article to develop a sense of self care in entrepreneurs. Spending too much time at desk may become a severe depression. Entrepreneurs should keep in mind that self care is also important to perform their work effectively and efficiently.
Hi! I can totally relate to this article! When I read it, my first thought was, "This is me!" I have been managing a computer shop for sometime now and we have a lot of people round-the-clock. I only have 2 people helping out, to save money, but most of the maintenance and the paper work are just for me. Instead of delegating, I am always at my desk: eating my snacks or lunch there, answering the phone, etc. Admittedly, I don't get to exercise. And when I look in the mirror -- I look so old! I think it's time to go to the gym or even walk some distances. Maybe lunch at my desk is also not a good idea?
Well said Carol! Nice suggestions have been posted.
I am fortunate to be able to use the benefits of being an entrepreneur to my advantage. Instead of letting the long hours of work get in the way, I use my flexible time to make sure I work out even for just 30 minutes to an hour a day or every other day. Let us always keep in mind why we chose to be a business man and that is so we can make the most of our time and our life.
I've been experiencing back pains and headaches because of the extensive hours I'm putting on work. It's a business I get to do at home but it seems that I am doing more work than a normal office person. I sit all day in front of my computer and I just don't notice the time. I kind of feel bad but I try to squeeze in a little stretching here and there.
Two words. 10 POUNDS. You've read that right. Since I left my corporate job about a month ago, in the hopes of being my own boss, I gained 10 lbs already. It's not a surprise for someone who sits all day and travel less. Oh, working from home has it's perks but the opposites as well.
It's true that the 'guilt' of dedicating precious hours of work to going to the gym, perhaps, is one of the reasons that is keeping entrepreneurs jigglier by the minute. It's not only detrimental for our health but as well as our physical outlook which is no doubt an important aspect of being a business man. So instead of feeling guilty of setting aside some of the extra work hours to finally hit the nearby gym, think of the long term benefits that you will get---a longer life perhaps? I don't think nothing says good for business than being actually here to run it.
Well hopefully delegating gives you more time to work out and stay at a healthy weight instead of gaining. You gain back time and could use it to work out and lose weight.
I like this suggestion! I was always trying to get my husband to pack a healthy lunch but he'd eat out every day and really packed on the weight.
I myself have been putting in longer hours and it's actually generating more expense as now my cost in monthly medicine has gone up. I've been trying a lot of things like supposed miracle pills and such not much is helping. I Rarely have the time to eat well in the morning and my find that I can't even leave my briefcase while at the dinner table. Thus warranting problems even with my wife. Only point I can't complain about is that I've been losing weight, but I can't imagine this being too healthy if I keep it going.
These are great points. Here's something that works really well for me: I'll make a big batch of tofu scramble on Sunday evening loaded with green goodness like kale, broccoli, spinach, bok choy -- whatever vegetables I have in my fridge -- and I'll wrap it into small tortilla shells. Whether I'm in the office that day or working from home, I have something healthy and delicious to pop in the toaster oven. And you can eat it with one hand!
its pretty tough to balance out your life routine in case the business is falling down. not only a cause of uneasy mental condition but a bit short temper towards family and co-workers.
It is an informative posting.
I've found that my 9-5 desk job has been extremely detrimental to my figure. It's a cycle that must be broken. After you work all day, exhausted and stressed out, who really feels like taking half hour to exercise? However, exercise can improve your energy level and your emotional well being. I've found that it helps to break my exercising up. When I wake up, I play loud music in an attempt to jumpstart my day. When I get home, I do my chores and once again - use music to motivate. I love to dance, but hate to clean. Combine them and it's not so bad. Last, I may take a 10 minute walk after dinner or do some toning exercises. It's not as dreadful if you're doing it at 10 minute intervals. It's better than not doing it at all :)
All hard times end, we better start thinking of ourselves before its too late.
If you don't have time for the gym - try walking 30 minutes every day.
Its hard to find time for ones own to think of him, it`s all business.
If at all it is making one go fat delegating duties like you said is one way to gain back wait. Lol.
Time to make a list of resolutions for 2012.
Yep guilty here, in the past 4 months I have cut down on my training schedule. Getting back on my bike tomorrow morning.
me too, really focusing on the full picture in 2012.
Guilty. 2011 has been a boom year for my business but, yes, that has meant working longer hourse on client projects and working out less. The stress/added work has caused me to lose weight, rather than gain. However, this is a good reminder to get my butt to the gym--there are more health benefits gained from working out than just weight maintenance. I have found I am not as mentally sharp when I don't work out.
I'm also trying to get exercise in my weekly workflow. It's difficult because as a new small business owner if you're not working, then nothing is getting done.