13 replies to this topic

[Simon]

The last few months I've had one cold after another. I got a new one yesterday (sore throat and generally feeling awful), its going worse today and I shall be retiring to my bed shortly.

I just wondered has anyone dabbled in these probiotic drinks and yoghurts. I've heard they help you stay healthy by boosting your 'good' bacteria levels, which can then fight off the bad bacteria. Thus making your immune system stronger.

I don't know if the above is scientifically correct. Does anyone know about them / use them? Are they beneficial or just a load of old cobblers?

Regards,
Simon

[rheath]

Simon,

I don’t know about the Actimel stuff but as a casual observer of your life through a portal I would be inclined to think that your health concerns are more of a physical manifestation to pressure or indeed the dreaded word 'stress' that your life brings you. I don't mean to offend but I say this through similar experiences I have had to you and the effect this has had on my life.

This year I got married, moved house (decorated house from top to bottom), became a father, changed day job (soon), developed my business on the side (including all the financial worries this entailed), sold my business etc etc...

Surprise surprise, I have had quite a few colds this year as well. Through this entire period, I never particularly viewed myself as being 'stressed'. The irony is that I set up a stress management course for our senior management team and have a guess what some of the main 'stressors' are.

The analogy used is to imagine your life as a bucket, you can pour so much into it but when you get to a certain level it will spill over the edge..

Anyway, I have taken stock, my solution was to concentrate on one career - sold my business - I now have evenings & weekends to myself & family again.

Take care

Richard

[Simon]

I don't know about the Actimel stuff but as a casual observer of your life through a portal I would be inclined to think that your health concerns are more of a physical manifestation to pressure or indeed the dreaded word 'stress' that your life brings you.  I don't mean to offend but I say this through similar experiences I have had to you and the effect this has had on my life.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No offence taken mate.

I've been on the actimel for a few days and already I have noticed a dramatic physical change…my propensity for generating wind. Not that I needed it.

There's a limit to how many balls one can juggle until eventually something has to give. I suppose it's something Neanderthal in us (and we know what happened to them) that makes us blokes think we're super human. We always tend to reach for a ‘quick fix' like a bottle of Actimel before addressing the real root cause of our problems.

Although I don't feel in any way stressed, I only have to take a short step back to see that my bucket is overflowing! I should (and will) take these minor ailments as a cheap and easy sign and make some changes now or in 5, 10, 15 years who knows.

I would like to know more about stress management if you have any ideas or good sources of information.

Thanks for the wise words Richard I really appreciate them.

Regards,
Simon

[rheath]

Simon,

Please find attached the official line for managing stress in the workplace. It's a pretty good document raised by the HSE, there is a lot of other source data on the HSE website.

In truth 'stress management' is very difficult at organisational level as one persons floor is another persons ceiling.

The main thing you can do is look at the signs & educate peers to recognise signs in each other (note the signs which are not usually evident):

e.g. lethargy, confusion, lack of direction, indecisiveness, higher alcohol consumption, errors, procrastination, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, poor immune system, absenteeism, aggression.

In terms of dealing with stress, the biggest challenge is recognising it, to quote a previous production manager "I never get stressed, I just shout at people!"

On an individual level to get rid of stress many of the simple things are the most effective e.g. making a few of the decisions you've been putting off, talking to a trusted friend or colleague, going to the gym, improving diet, planning some quality time with family & self (and making it happen), get help at work to cover workload.

Hope there’s a few good pointers here, anyway I off home to kick the dog

Attached Files

•  HSE___Stress_indg281.pdf   298.92KB   53 downloads

[Simon]

The main thing you can do is look at the signs & educate peers to recognise signs in each other (note the signs which are not usually evident):

e.g. lethargy, confusion, lack of direction, indecisiveness, higher alcohol consumption, errors, procrastination, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, poor immune system, absenteeism, aggression.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmm.

Thanks for that Richard I've got some reading to do.

Regards,
Simon

[Simon]

Over the bank holiday weekend I took some time away from the computer and I didn't miss it one iota. I'm extremely busy and have to work very long hours, but I've realised after a certain length of time sat in front of the computer, I get tired and turn into a cabbage. At this point I stop being productive (completely) and end up mindlessly surfing the net. I've stopped this now.

Anyway back to the weekend we went over to St Annes on Sunday (packed lunch, thermos flask et al.). It poured down with rain all the way there and when we pulled into the car park at the front of the pier the rain was literally going sideways. Within 5 minutes the rain had stopped and the clouds dispersed to reveal blue skies and bright sunshine - it stayed like that all day. Had a really fun time paddling in the sea (what a walk that was), the boys had a go on the trampolines; went on the pier and we even had a ride on a little train. On Monday we went fishing, messed about in the woods, and got really muddy.

Coincidence or not this week I feel great and I'm actually being more productive than ever. The moral of this fascinating tale is leisure time is very, very important. It's about getting the right balance.

Just off to do a few star jumps.

Regards,
Simon

[Puzzle]

My stress level is very high at present.

Can't exercise properly due to an old injury restricting movement. That WILL change soon.

Thing is , I know what is causing the stress and am dealing with them.

Top your original query, many years ago an ex-colleague 'swore' by pro-biotics. Not your yoghurts but the genuine article. The trick is to know precisely what is wrong and then use the correct treatment.

The problem with anti-biotics is tey are quite 'general' and are like spraying a cure as opposed to being directed at any one item, therefore easier to proscribe. Pro-biotics take a lot more skill to use safely.

[Simon]

I've continued with the Actimel, been taking it for a couple of weeks or so every morning. Whether it actual does anything for the immune system is debatable but anyway it's a nice refreshing drink first thing in the morning.

I think we should retitle this thread ‘Men's Health'.

Regards,
Simon

[Puzzle]

Could always be the 'placebo' affect.

:D

[Simon]

Could always be the 'placebo' affect.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Weren't they a very, very poor 90's pop group?

Regards,
Simon

[rheath]

Was'nt one of their songs called 'Nancy Boy'. I'm sure this is still many peoples interpretaion of stress.

Glad you had some good R&R, it does seem to make the world of difference.

[Simon]

Was'nt one of their songs called 'Nancy Boy'. I'm sure this is still many peoples interpretaion of stress.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I think it was, I was thinking about 'spaceman' for some reason. BTW hat's off for the link.

Regards,
Simon

[Puzzle]

STRESSED.

Now wher is the Actimel?? Bring a barrel load :D

[rheath]

Puzzle,

I know you are stressed but that is no reason to 'drop an E'.

I find a nice massage works before reverting to chemicals