health commodity健康是一种无价的财富 - 博客

That was a moment of clarity.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”(Albert Einstein)

2025 resolution: Remember how lucky we are to exist.

The chances of being born are impossibly tiny. If one couple in our whole family tree didn't survive, meet, mate, and get a 1/400 quadrillion sperm-egg match, there would be no us.

It’s a miracle that anyone we love is alive.

in Chinese of " remember several years ago when one of my managers applauded me in front of everyone for overachieving… she did not even know I had gotten sick over it! This lifestyle is not sustainable. Good health is a commodity A few weeks later, I turned in my resignation and applauded myself for saying, ‘no’ to toxic environment I was recently reminded of it again… I changed work environment once again. I would do it again and again … our health is priceless! After three decades in the work force overachieving, my immune system said ‘enough’ and has gone rogue! I’m now concentrating on my physical wellbeing I get to applaud myself over and over again

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

还记得几年前，有一次我的经理在所有人面前夸奖我超额完成了工作任务……但她根本不知道，我因此生病了！这样的生活方式是不可持续的。健康是一种无价的财富几周后，我递交了辞呈，为自己鼓掌，因为我对有害的工作环境说了“不要” 最近我又想起了这件事……我再次更换了工作环境。如果再遇到类似的情况，我还会这样做，因为我们的健康是无价的！

在职场打拼了三十多年、追求过度成就后，我的免疫系统终于发出了“够了”的信号，开始“叛变”了！
现在，我专注于自己的身体健康并一次又一次为自己鼓掌

You said:

Good health is a commodity. Specific to examples!

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

"Good health is a commodity" highlights how vital yet finite and valuable health is, much like any prized resource. Here's how this perspective applies to specific examples:

1. Workplace Burnout and Overachievement

Overachieving in a toxic work environment, as in your case, can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. For example, meeting relentless deadlines or enduring long hours without rest often results in stress-related illnesses like migraines, insomnia, or even autoimmune disorders.
These outcomes show that prioritizing productivity over health “spends” this finite resource, just like depleting a limited commodity.

2. Ignoring Health for External Rewards

Many professionals neglect their health for accolades or promotions. For instance, someone might skip meals or over-caffeinate to finish a project, only to face gastritis or chronic fatigue later.
Like spending money unwisely, this exchange underscores the real “cost” of achievements earned at the expense of well-being.

3. Long-Term Consequences of Overexertion

Over decades, continuous overwork can weaken the immune system, leading to long-term health challenges like heart disease or diabetes.
This parallels how poor management of natural resources leads to depletion and systemic collapse. Good health requires careful “investment” in rest, nutrition, and balance.

4. Preventive Measures as “Investments”

Making deliberate choices, like changing toxic work environments or focusing on self-care, mirrors wise financial planning. Taking breaks, regular exercise, and seeking supportive environments are ways to protect and grow the “commodity” of good health.

Conclusion: Treating health as a precious and finite commodity reminds us to use it wisely and invest in its maintenance rather than depleting it for short-term gains. Would you like further elaboration on specific preventive strategies or practices?

You said:

how do you define toxic work environments?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

A toxic work environment is one where the workplace culture, practices, or relationships consistently harm employees' mental, emotional, or physical well-being. It often leads to stress, burnout, dissatisfaction, and even health problems. Here are key characteristics of such environments:

1. Poor Leadership and Management

Micromanagement or Neglect: Managers who excessively control every detail or fail to provide guidance create unnecessary stress.
Lack of Transparency: Withholding information or inconsistent communication breeds mistrust.
Unrealistic Expectations: Expecting employees to work excessively long hours or achieve unattainable goals can push them to their limits.

2. Toxic Relationships

Bullying or Harassment: Verbal abuse, intimidation, or discrimination from colleagues or supervisors creates a hostile atmosphere.
Cliques and Favoritism: Unequal treatment based on favoritism divides teams and fosters resentment.
Lack of Respect: Dismissing opinions, ideas, or contributions undermines morale and mutual respect.

3. Negative Workplace Culture

Excessive Competition: Pitting employees against each other fosters unhealthy rivalries rather than collaboration.
Fear-Based Culture: Threats, punishments, or public shaming create anxiety and hinder creativity.
Neglect of Work-Life Balance: Discouraging time off, expecting constant availability, or failing to respect boundaries can harm mental and physical health.

4. Unfair Policies or Practices

Inequitable Compensation: Underpaying employees or failing to recognize their contributions devalues their work.
No Room for Growth: Stagnation or lack of opportunities for advancement demotivates employees.
High Turnover Rates: A revolving door of employees often signals deeper systemic issues.

5. Lack of Support and Recognition

No Feedback or Acknowledgment: Failing to appreciate hard work or provide constructive criticism leaves employees feeling undervalued.
Minimal Resources: Insufficient tools, training, or staffing makes it difficult to meet expectations.
Ignoring Employee Well-Being: Overlooking mental health, neglecting flexibility, or dismissing concerns shows a lack of care.

Impact of Toxic Work Environments

Employees often experience:

Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Physical health issues: Chronic stress, weakened immunity, or exhaustion.
Career setbacks: Loss of confidence or decreased productivity.

Conclusion: Toxic workplaces prioritize short-term results over employee well-being, resulting in high costs for individuals and organizations. Creating healthy work environments requires empathy, fairness, and clear communication. Would you like advice on addressing such environments or improving workplace dynamics?

Michael Lisanti, MD-PhD, FRSA, FRSB, FRSC likes this

Tala Tanbouz • 3rd+Digital Marketer 5 days ago

This was me, smiling through fear minutes before surgery.

I’m 23, and this isn’t the first time I’ve found myself in a hospital bed because I pushed my body too far. We don’t talk about it enough, but the culture of ‘hustle till you drop’ is dangerous, especially for people our age, trying to prove ourselves.

I’ve learned the hard way that promotions, KPIs, and perfect CVs mean nothing if you’re risking your health. Chronic pain, surgeries, and burnout are real, and nothing is worth sacrificing your well-being.

To employees, this is your reminder to listen to your body. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s survival. Growth isn’t just about increasing your output; it’s also about knowing when to step back. Take your breaks. Say no when you’re overwhelmed. Build a career that respects your humanity, not one that destroys it.

To managers and leaders, you set the tone! If you glorify overwork, your teams will feel forced to follow, even at the cost of their health. Encourage balance. Normalize rest. Lead with empathy, not just deadlines. The well-being of your team is not a “soft skill” or a secondary concern; it’s the backbone of long-term success. Healthy employees are productive employees.

If you’re in your early 20s and feeling like you’re behind: you’re not. You’re living. Slow down, you don’t have to rush. The right opportunities will come, and you’ll enjoy them so much more if you’re healthy and happy when they do.

Gregg Stefanek, DO • 2nd

I am a family physician/medical director/health care consultant dedicated to helping individuals and organizations embrace the responsibility to be better than they used to be

I don’t drive as fast as I use to

This wasn’t always the case. I use to think it was some kind of badge of honor to get from point A to point B as fast as I could. Sammy Hagar and I both couldn’t drive 55.

So, I did the math. If I have 60 miles to go, I can get there 6 minutes quicker if I average 80 mph versus 70.

Funny as I was typing, I almost said I could save 6 minutes if I drove 10 mph faster

But what am I saving?

So instead of looking at the 6 minutes I “lost” because I drove slower, I look at the 6 minutes I gained:
More time to talk to my fellow passengers.
More time to listen to my podcasts
More time to listen to my classic rock and roll
More time to appreciate my surroundings, to just be present
Freedom from having to worry about getting a ticket
Oh yeah, it probably is a little safer too

But I don’t drive slower because of safety reasons. I am just not in as much of a hurry anymore. And it’s a beautiful place to be.

And I can always leave 6 minutes earlier

4 Replies on Gregg Stefanek, DO’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Gregg Stefanek, DO love this!!

Sururat Coulibaly • 3rd+

Functional Wellness Coach | Helping Women Clear their Red Itchy Scaly Skin and Zit effortlessly to regain Confidence without creams, pills or needles. | Founder of The Holistic Skin Coach

Gregg Stefanek, DO more to listen to audio books. I don’t like driving so I make it phone. I also believe that I will get there when I get there so why rush.

Elliot Evans • 3rd+

The Chronic Edge: Your catalyst for business analysis Identifying hidden losses with cost-effective solutions giving you the EDGE!

It’s not just employers, it can be family too, they say they understand, but when it’s an event or something ‘important’ to them then they tend to forget how hard it can be to push through.

I’ve been working plus Christmas with something happening everyday for almost two weeks.

The body this morning felt like Unicron with the autobots blowing things up inside me (showing my age ) but I’m in the car off to the Lakes, pretending I just needed an energy drink and some meds while the red alert announcesments are running through my head.

The response, “We are late” ‍?

Employers can be educated, trained or you can change roles or jobs, unfortunately that can’t be the same at home.

Cancel the entire event because of you or push through it but be late, I’ll be in pain either way, so better make the best of it.

I hope everything goes smoothly and you have an amazing 2025, following ?

2 Replies on Elliot Evans’ comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Elliot Evans It’s definitely not just employers! Trying to do it all is not sustainable. Sometimes, career has to take priority over personal life, and sometimes, personal life has to take priority over career. It’s all about prioritizing and making sure that at the top of the list is always YOU. You can’t serve your job or your relationships unless you’re healthy and happy enough to do so? Happy holidays!

Elliot Evans • 3rd+

The Chronic Edge: Your catalyst for business analysis Identifying hidden losses with cost-effective solutions giving you the EDGE!

Tala Tanbouz so true

Suzanne Ryan • 3rd+

Manual Therapist

This is mega important at any age. I am 78 and still pushing myself, but if I need to rest and recover I do it. And by the way, I feel better the next day. And back to the gym where I do weightlifting for strength, treadmill for endurance, Pilates for strength and stretch, and very important to do balancing exercises. Get started when you're young and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy choices. I actually started my fitness routine when I was 12 and have kept it up all my life. I am in better shape than people 20 years younger and virtually all of my peers. It involves making a decision when you're young and putting a priority on it all your life.

2 Replies on Suzanne Ryan’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Suzanne Ryan love this! Working on it—can’t do good work with ill health

Connie Hertz • 3rd+

Women In The Glow Circle Group Facilitator at Living In The Glow

2d(edited)

Suzanne Ryan so awesome! Yes you are very fit for any age!

Adriana Morales (She/Her) PsyD- HSP, BCBA-D, LMHC-FLA, LBA-TN • 3rd+

Clinical Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Fl, Licensed Behavior Analyst, Published Author.

I remember several years ago when one of my managers applauded me in front of everyone for overachieving… she did not even know I had gotten sick over it! This lifestyle is not sustainable. Good health is a commodity A few weeks later, I turned in my resignation and applauded myself for saying, ‘no’ to toxic environment I was recently reminded of it again… I changed work environment once again. I would do it again and again … our health is priceless! After three decades in the work force overachieving, my immune system said ‘enough’ and has gone rogue!
I’m now concentrating on my physical wellbeing I get to applaud myself over and over again

1 Comment on Adriana Morales (She/Her) PsyD- HSP, BCBA-D, LMHC-FLA, LBA-TN’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Adriana Morales (She/Her) PsyD- HSP, BCBA-D, LMHC-FLA, LBA-TN “I get to applaud myself over and over again” wowww!! This is exactly where I aim to be—yes, hard work does pay off and having a drive and passion for what you do are beautiful things but it’s also essential to know when to draw the line and step back and relax to get back up and give your very best over and over again, love the message ?

Mandeep Bryant • 3rd+

Digital Project Manager

Dear Tala,

Deeply saddened to read what you have been going through. Our last chat was sheer rejoicing in how beautiful you looked as you donated half of your hair towards a good cause.

Thank you for this reminder that even the strongest among us need moments to step back and rest, so rest up and come back more beautiful and radiant as ever!

Work can replace us, but our families never can

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes, the greatest healing comes when we allow ourselves to rest in that stillness, trusting that God is at work even when we pause.

2 Replies on Mandeep Bryant’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Mandeep Bryant

Mandeep you angel!
Your words brought so much comfort to me, and the fact that you remember our last conversation says a lot, thank you for always being so thoughtful and kind.

You’re absolutely right, work can replace us, but our families and health are priceless. I’m learning to take a step back and prioritize what really matters, and your words remind me to be gentle with myself. Thank you for your love and support, it truly means the world to me.

des mccready • 3rd+

Freelance Trainer/Substitute Teacher

Mandeep Bryant Amen

James Gregware • 2nd

You can't fight cancer without hope. • LuxSpei.org • (Light of Hope)

Take it from someone many years older who spent a lifetime working to get ahead - if you wait until you are overwhelmed to say no, you've waited too long.
Now, I deal with fighting cancer.

9 Replies on James Gregware’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

James Gregware It’s heartbreaking to hear about your battle with cancer, and I’m sending you strength and prayers as you fight through it. I’ll definitley carry your advice with me moving forward. Your empathy coupled with your strength and hope are inspiring!

James Gregware • 2nd

You can't fight cancer without hope. • LuxSpei.org • (Light of Hope)

4d(edited)

Tala Tanbouz Thank you. That matters a great deal.
If you have a moment, please check out LuxSpei,org. This is the outcome from my getting cancer - It has helped thousands...

Dr. Curtis P. • 3rd+

Chief Executive Officer @ C Psychiatric Solutions • Specializing In Comprehensive Mental Health Care For Executives, Athletes & Professionals • Improve Burnout • Fix Work-Life Balance • Restore Sleep • Stop Addiction

Burnout is something many of us face, often without realizing how common it truly is. But you don't have to go through it alone. Taking time to step back, recharge, and refocus is essential for your well-being. If you or someone in your network ever needs a listening ear or guidance on navigating through these challenges, I’m here. You deserve to feel supported and at your best.

1 Comment on Dr. Curtis P.’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Dr. Curtis P. Thank you for this thoughtful reminder. It’s so important to prioritize well-being and know that it’s okay to ask for help. Your offer to support means a lot!

Mohammed Abu-Jaffal • 3rd+

Technical Director at Nemetos Tanasuk

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and important message. Your words resonate deeply, and I'm truly sorry to hear about your struggles. It's incredibly brave of you to speak out about the dangers of overworking and the importance of prioritizing health.

Tala, I want you to know that your courage are inspiring. Please continue to take care of yourself and know that your health and happiness are what truly matter.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and much strength.

1 Comment on Mohammed Abu-Jaffal ’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Mohammed Abu-Jaffal
You’re the best AJ, thank you for the continuous support since we met not just today!

I’m happy to see that my message resonated with you and others. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine whether sharing your thoughts is impactful or not, but the kind words I’ve seen remind me why it’s so important to start these conversations.

David Gobey • 3rd+

Marketing with Force and Finesse

One of the good outcomes from this is that you have learned that you have more power than you realized. You now have the power of choice. When you are being confronted with powering through something until you run the risk of dropping or of calling a time-out, you will have a choice to make. I learned that lesson in 1986 when I was diagnosed with a fibrosarcoma. Let's just say that was a moment of clarity. Some people never have that moment. I did and now you do.

1 Comment on David Gobey’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

David Gobey Yes, exactly! It’s a hard lesson, but one that brings so much clarity. Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s a powerful reminder to make better choices moving forward.

Steven Bernstein • 3rd+

Sales Consultant/Commercial Agent

Tala Tanbouz Bless you & be well. It was interesting as a 65 year-old man reading this about somebody so much younger even than my children! I found out that my great cost two years ago that chasing the dream can have devastating consequences. Luckily, I am still here to tell the tale. You will be too - Be strong, be brave but most important of all - never doubt yourself.

2 Replies on Steven Bernstein’s comment

Tala TanbouzAuthor

Digital Marketer

Steven Bernstein Thanks Steven! Wish I had listened to my dad’s concerns instead of brushing them off earlier and marking him as part of a different generation instead of taking his advice to heart. Happy you’re healthier now?

Steven Bernstein • 3rd+

Sales Consultant/Commercial Agent

Tala Tanbouz you take care of yourself and I hope I can read about your peace and recovery and happiness in the future ?