As a business mentor, I see clients from all backgrounds cope with stress; family hassles, friendships going wrong, too many tasks, cash flow disasters and much more. Enjoyment? That has been left long behind, as they struggle just to keep up with the basics.

A few years ago, I found a great, obvious, but often ignored antidote to this syndrome – physical exercise.

OK, nothing new there. We all see lots of people jogging and biking past us at seemingly humiliating speeds every day. So, it is not just a case of exercise, but a pattern of physical activity that suits you and will help you make a difference. What do I mean?

As a kid, I loved sports, but because I was not much good, I felt that I was not encouraged at school. Thus, I gave up trying, and so for years really did very little on that side of things. Around 12 years ago, I found a gym where nobody knew me. I built up my own routine. And I have moved on from there. Today, I can run at least 11 km on a good day outdoors, hate the hour on the road, but love the tingle of the after-effect.

And what does this have to do with work? It is that lingering glow of satisfaction. You have achieved something for yourself. I sometimes treat every extra distance as if I had to face a challenging work situation. If I can run that, then I can find a solution to my commercial problem.It may sound cute, but you are healthier on the inside and outside.

It is amazing the number of clients, who I talk to first about their health and their approach to life, before drilling in to their work environment. Almost at the commencement of our contract, I encourage them to deal with becoming physically motivated in order to take on other challenges. For some, it can as simple as speed walk for 15 minutes, four times a week, and that does the trick.

To quote a recent article from the Harvard Business Review by Russell Clayton:

“….we found exercise helping work-home integration via increased self-efficacy. The term refers to the sense that one is capable of taking things on and getting them done – and although self-efficacy is a matter of self-perception, it has real impact on reality. According to psychologist Albert Bandura, people with high self-efficacy are less likely to avoid difficult tasks or situations, and more likely to see them as challenges to be mastered. Our research suggests that people who exercise regularly enjoy greater self-efficacy..”

For the record, I have two favourite routes. One is running around the hills of northern Jerusalem and the spectacular views towards the Old City. The other is along the Thames towpath between Hammersmith and Mortlake. Leave your music behind. Let your own deep and private thoughts drive you on towards an improved work situation.