Beer Belly Career Blues

"Beer Belly Career Blues" -- That's the title of this week's CareerMoments newsletter from Pilot Workplace Advisors. The newsletter, which really does just take a moment to read, says:

Your physical health and your career health are more closely related than you may think. Among middle managers in one study (Roberts and Friend) workers with career momentum were over 50% more inclined to engage in healthy life habits than those who reported that their careers had stalled. Maybe an unhealthy lifestyle could be your first tip off that your career is floundering. Maybe getting fit can help get your career back on track. It sure can’t hurt! Take great care of yourself- and your career.

I don't know about the beer belly part, but I sincerely believe that this study's findings have merit. Over the past several years, as I tried to make the jump to fulltime writership, I was very bad to my body. I often felt like I would never be able to advance in my career (which for me, meant quitting my job). I had little time, motivation, or energy to exercise or practice healthy habits. Of course, part of that is due to the fact that these things have always been hard for me. Plus, I was spending WAY too much time at a desk -- 8 hours at work and then more time in the evenings for writing.

I went picnicking and hiking with Allyson yesterday and seriously felt the pain of several sedentary years. I'm so sore today that I cringe walking down steps.

But I feel like I have a new lease on life now. Being my own boss is great so far. (Okay, so it's only been two days, but still!) I plan to use this big life change to treat my body right. It's amazing how much more energy and pep I have just in the past few days. And a pair of aching thighs is just a reminder to be better to myself.

[Okay, funny aside: I initially typed that last sentence to read, "And a pair of aching things is just a reminder to be better to myself." Ha!]

For more fun picnic photos, vist Ally's blog.

Comments

[Allyson]

It certainly is easier to stay fit when the rest of your life is on track. Whenever I've had a crisis, exercise is usually the first thing to go, which is ironic, because it is one of the things that helps the most during a crisis. Here's to your renaissance, or any similar revival.

[Evad]

so i can blame my job for being lazy? i hear a law suit taking place!