A quarter of all diseases such as Cancer, cardiovascular related illnesses and diabetes effect people under the age of 60, thus taking them out of work in their most productive years. Living a healthy lifestyle is both vital for living into your retirement years and for maintaining productivity in the short term.
First and foremost, you should always ensure that you have a decent 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation is a productivity killer, and if you don't ensure you have a decent amount of sleep you are much more vulnerable to illnesses and time off work. Some companies, such as Goldman Sachs, have even brought in sleep experts to try to help combat the problem which is costing companies and health insurance firms a fortune. A Harvard research study suggested that the average worker loses 11.3 days worth of productivity every year due to sleep deprivation, and it effects your focus, your reaction speed, your decision making abilities, your cognitive speed and your memory. A lack of sleep can also have serious ramifications during your travel to and from your work.
Aside from just your sleep, it is important to maintain a good diet. People who eat a healthy balanced diet tend to be happier and more positive people. A positive mood goes a long way in business, and this will also ensure that you are receiving the correct vitamins and nutrients your body needs to help prevent you from unnecessary illnesses. Also, eating a decent breakfast will ensure that your body has sufficient sugar and carbohydrates to power through your mornings as a lack of sugar has the ability to drain you of energy and to help you lose your concentration and motivation.
Regular exercise is also vital to a healthy lifestyle. This, much like a healthy diet, helps to improve positivity by stimulating various brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed, and also you overall health which allows you to be more approachable at work and to be more aware of opportunities surrounding you at work. Exercise is also an excellent stress reliever at the end of every day, and people who exercise tend to be more focussed and more driven in the work place as regular exercise boosts your energy. Having a good exercise schedule also has the added benefit of improving your sleep cycle and your ability to switch off at the end of the day.
While it is impossible not to catch illnesses from time to time, living a healthy lifestyle will ensure that your body is able to perform at it's full potential, that your mind is able to maintain concentration and focus through arduous tasks, and to leave you with a happier and more positive outlook. The bottom line is that healthy people tend to perform better in the work place, and that more time sat behind the computer doesn't necessarily mean more productivity. Be sure to eat well, to exercise and to sleep well to maximise your performance at work.