It comes as a pleasant surprise to many people that maintaining good health is as simple as maintaining your car. We don’t want our cars to break down so we put in the right type of petrol, oil, and coolant. We pump the tyres as the manufacturer recommends and we get it serviced. It is not difficult.

Do we look after our bodies as well as our cars? Do we put in the right fuels, run it correctly and have it tuned before it breaks down? Sadly the statistics suggest that we might not be. The “crisis” in the health system is the human equivalent of people running their unleaded cars on diesel without oil or coolant and no regular servicing- till it breaks down at the side of the road.

There is good and bad news. First the bad. A report on the health of Australian Employees in 2005 surveyed over 3000 workers looking at eight key areas of health. Nearly half (45%) had poor health behaviors’. Around 50% did little or no exercise and lived on high fat diets. Only 8% ate the right amount of fruit and vegetables. Some 53% felt overwhelmed with stress.

Now this is an issue for the employee and also the employer as unhealthy people take nine times more sick leave, are one third as effective and self rate their performance at half that of their healthy colleagues.

Now you are probably thinking yeah, yeah I have heard all this before but what can I do. This is the good news bit. There are some really simple things that you can do to improve your health in 2010. They are accessible and free or inexpensive.

Each day do three slow deep breaths three times during the day. This takes around 30 seconds and is a simple de-stressor. Do it at your desk or in a break. The body is 70% water and the water needs to flow like a river and not be a stagnant pond. Replace that cup of coffee with a glass (or two) of water.

We often need a snack during the day and it needs to be something that needs no preparation. Take a piece of fruit with you in the morning. Another option is some nuts or seeds. This is going to be better for you than biscuits.

Consider taking the stairs instead of the lift. This will give you some exercise. At the shopping mall, look for the car spot furthest, rather than nearest the door. Maybe go for a walk at lunchtime. Many workplaces now provide showers and some even have gyms.

Get eight hours sleep each night. Often we feel that we that we must skip sleep to meet deadlines. Reality shows that we get more done in less time when we get enough sleep. Have some relaxation time each day. It can be as simple as the three deep breaths, walk in the park or listening to music.

Finally, have some fun with your work. The people who seem to succeed the most also seem to enjoy their work the most. We may be doing serious things but that does not mean we can’t have fun doing them.

These simple principles will enhance your health and the health of the business.