I’m going through a health challenge right now. And it has given me time to think — especially about whether we make ourselves ill by working too hard, caring too much, multi-tasking, and refusing to pace ourselves. The answer isn’t an easy one. And I doubt that it is any different for men. But I know that just because you work hard doesn’t mean you cause yourself to be ill. Many illnesses are luck of the draw. Your number simply comes up.

Rather than blame ourselves, we should consider what’s best for us personally. We’re all individuals. Some of us can get by on fewer hours of sleep. Others are more organized and get more done in a day. Some of us are terrified by illness, others cope calmly. I think the important thing is to know yourself — to know your limits. If your job constantly pushes those limits, then it’s important to consider options.

Can you delegate more? Are there ways for you to succeed that don’t require constant working? Is it possible that you take on too many tasks, many of which contribute little or nothing to your advancement? How can you change that?  Are you taking care of your health, getting appropriate screenings, and keeping informed so you can push yourself now and then without paying a big price?

These are only a few questions we should ask ourselves — and not only when we’re ill. Who are we trying to please? Is that the right person? And can we achieve what we want to in smarter rather than more physically or mentally demanding ways? This isn’t blaming, it’s applying common sense.

Worth a thought.

TAGS: health blame, health issues at work, ways to work healthy