When you don't feel fit, it is harder to be engaged. Challenges and setbacks suddenly become insurmountable mountains, whereas in good shape you could have taken them in your stride. Robert Timmer, managing director of Indutrade Benelux, is very aware of the benefits of vitality. Indutrade Benelux "I wish everyone the balance that exercise brings."
Three times a week you will find him at the gym, boxing with friends and stretching himself, literally and figuratively, in a fitness circuit with a personal trainer. "I need it," says Robert. "It keeps me fresh and alert, and because I let off steam, I can handle challenges better."
On the back of the bin lorry
Plenty of people around him think it is easy for him to talk, with such a great job. "I am convinced it doesn't just have to do with the kind of job," says Robert. "When I finished my studies, the job market had collapsed and nobody was waiting for me. That did dent my confidence a little. Still, I didn't sit still. I took any work there was. For example, I collected rubbish for a few weeks. I got what I could out of that job too. After being ignored for three days by my colleagues, who thought this little student wouldn't last anyway, I was accepted. After that we had the greatest fun together breaking records."
Focus on the positive
"It does have to be in your DNA a little to stay positive and work on your mental and physical fitness. I'm not an over-the-top positive type, but I can look beyond a situation. Not everything can be predicted. By focusing on what you can learn from a problem, you find a solution faster. And that in turn leads to engagement."
A matter of training
According to Robert, staying positive is a matter of adapting your lifestyle and training. Easier said than done, he realises. "It starts with simply starting. Choose an activity that makes you happy and block out time for it in your diary. There is something for everyone that gets them going. Make arrangements with friends or family; then it is easier to stick to your new lifestyle. After a few weeks it is in your system and you can't do without it, you'll see!"
The Health Council of the Netherlands advises adults to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week and muscle- and bone-strengthening activities twice a week. Only 48% of adults aged 18 to 64 meet those guidelines. Sport en bewegen in cijfers So many people still have something to gain.
A risk to yourself
Robert has a lot of contact with the directors of the companies that fall under Indutrade in the Benelux. "I have surprised some of them by calling them 'a big risk'. Not because of their performance, but because they are careless with their own health. Prioritising your own well-being is at least as important to an employer as high sales figures."
A reset from the rat race
Robert noticed how good it is to take a critical look now and then at the rat race and the rhythms we are in. "Some things you miss when they fall away, but there are also things we can easily do without. For example, I used to spend quite a lot of time in traffic jams. I have largely swapped that for effective online meetings. Of course we can't do without meeting in person. The trick is to find a good balance."
Simple solutions
"Exercise really is the magic word," says Robert. "The energy it gives creates a good balance. And it doesn't have to be complicated at all. For example, I take all my phone calls standing up, and at the office we have sit-stand desks for the necessary movement." Short movement breaks also help: breaks of ten minutes or less give more energy and make you less tired. Albulescu et al.
Setting a good example
By talking a lot with his employees about vitality and setting a good example himself, Robert has already helped several people to a better energy balance. He regularly goes road cycling with a group of enthusiasts from various Indutrade companies. "As a true generalist, I enjoy lots of sports. I would rather spend my time on different things than dedicate myself to one sport. That variety keeps me on my feet. Literally and figuratively!"
Also read tips for more vitality at work and engaged with strong legs.
