Some ways to deal with stress and achieve 'wellness', whatever that is

Thankfully I love sport and can put a big tick in the exercise box. I haven’t the will power to work out in a gym and won’t run another marathon but I am lucky to still play, however badly, tennis, real tennis, golf and recently rackets as often as Alex allows.

Exercise makes a difference but, strangely, I find the best way to avoid stress is to keep working. Certain things have helped to create a relatively trouble free job.

Our upside-down management way of running the business is much easier than issuing orders and following a process.

By trusting colleagues you have nothing like as much to worry about. I’m not surprised that people working in a high-pressure office, full of politics, are prone to stress. Being nice to other people brings a lot less bother.

Four things give the greatest help.

1. Checking our cash balance every day (it give me a constant update on the health of our business).

2. If something has to be done I do it straight away (if you have a long 'to do’ list there is too much to worry about).

3. I do things my way (I don’t waste time worrying what others would do or what the world thinks is best practice).

4. If I have a real problem I can’t answer, I ask Alex.

Q I started a business two years ago and one of my closest friends joined after six months. He was perfect for the marketing role then: we were young and scrappy. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are now, but he just doesn’t have the skills to take the business to the next level. I’m devastated at the thought of rewarding him for all that hard work with his P45. What should I do?

A You’ve probably spent days and many sleepless nights worrying whether there is any way your friend can stay with the business, but your question makes it clear you have made up your mind. Now, you will be wondering how to lose him from the business and keep him as a best mate.

I’m sure you will be tactful and offer a really generous deal to soften the blow (but don’t go so far as offering a share of the equity). The generosity is important to satisfy your own conscience but may not be appreciated by your partner. Be prepared for a disappointment, life may never be quite the same again.

If he is allowed to stay much longer it is likely that both the business and your friendship will suffer. Your priority is to break the commercial relationship as soon as you can. That should help the business and there is still a chance that your friendship will survive, but it might be a while before you’ll be popping out together to the pub for a pint.

Q I’m very competitive and winning is extremely important to me. My company has a work football team. Should I get involved or could my competitive streak on the pitch impact relationships in the office?

A Seventeen years ago, when we had our first inter-regional Timpson football tournament, I made the mistake of playing in the defence on the North West team. Few 54 year olds are truly fit for football, especially, as I discovered later, when two members of the opposition had trials for Liverpool and Crewe Alexandra. I was wiser the second year, when I turned up as a spectator but it was still a mistake. The event was marred by the enthusiasm of a tough and talented London team who were so keen to beat Birmingham the game ended with a fight and two red cards. Since then I have kept clear.

Even if you are under 35 and in peak condition, there isn’t much to be gained by playing. You might get praised for being one of the lads but it could come at the cost of a few weeks on crutches. Sport is good for corporate bonding but I came to the conclusion that company football is great for everyone else but not for me.

I suggest you pay expenses, give a special cup for man of the match (buy the cup from Timpson and I’ll throw in free engraving), but let another member of the management team present it.

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