“My work is ruining my health.” Tom said regarding his hour and a half total commute time to Hartford from Old Lyme and back.  Connecticut commuters should not have such lengthy commutes given the relative proximity of great suburbs to cities.  But many do.  Moreover, as Tom mentioned, he rarely has time for a good work out and eats poorly given both the need to eat his lunch quickly and the deluge of yummy but poor food choices that he has in Hartford.

I eat 4-5 vegetable servings each morning after my morning workout.. This is one of unexpected end results from escaping the rat race, which I’ll define as working in a organization that requires one’s presence M-F, 9-5 (or more likely 8ish to 6ish). That I regularly eat vegetables would shock my mom and anyone else who knew my eating habits until my early 30s when I started my own business. I would still not be eating vegetables if I was in the rat race and, despite a lifetime habit of exercise, I know I would be exercising far less.

Here’s why: the rush to get out the door for those commuting to New Haven or Hartford or Fairfield County likely precludes a long morning workout for most. My days at large organizations would require a midday trek to the gym which, with the combination of travel back and forth, changing clothes (twice) and showering, cut the hour long gym break to about 30 minutes of exercise. As for eating, the likelihood that I would find steamed spinach, a broccoli smoothie, and a bowl of squash (my post workout meal) somewhere near an office is not high but, regardless, the likelihood that I would have developed the habit of choosing such food instead of the variety of more delicious alternatives in a city or office park atmosphere is minimal.  I simply was wired to eat excellent bread as opposed to vegetables. The relative ease of being able to cook and season vegetables to my liking is only possible because my morning routine keeps me in the comfort of my own home and kitchen.

Improved health one more huge reason to take control of your career.