ASSOCIATIONS 9 breath and a terrifying fear of‘ losing control’. They usually peak within minutes, but they leave a lasting impact on your confidence.
4. The silent escape: Substance abuse In a culture where‘ toughing it out’ is the norm, many turn to substances to numb the stress. Substance abuse, whether alcohol, opioids or stimulants, is a red flag that someone is trying to selfmedicate a deeper issue.
What to look for:
Physical: Bloodshot eyes, sudden weight loss or tremors( the shakes). Behavioural: Becoming secretive, neglecting family duties or‘ disappearing’ from social circles.
Psychological: Major mood swings, irritability and a lack of motivation for anything other than the substance.
The Fit for F. I. T solution: Why movement matters The Fit for F. I. T programme isn ' t just about getting a ' sixpack '. We use physical activity as a gateway to mental resilience.
Here is why the‘ FIT’ approach works:
Chemical reset: Exercise releases endorphins that naturally combat the symptoms of anxiety and mild depression.
The‘ check-in’ space: When we walk 5km or train together, the barriers come down. It’ s easier to talk about‘ heavy stuff’ when you’ re moving side-by-side rather than sitting face-to-face.
Building routine: For those struggling with burnout or substance issues, a fitness routine provides a positive anchor for the day.
Friends in Trades: We are here to assist If any of the descriptions above – burnout, depression, anxiety or substance abuse – sound like they were written about you or a mate, know this: You are not alone, and you don ' t have to fix it alone.
The Fit for F. I. T initiative is specifically designed to assist. We aren ' t a fitness group; we are a support network. We understand the specific pressures of the trade industry because we are in it.
We assist by listening: Our community provides a space where you can be honest about your mental state without being judged.
We assist by connecting: If you need professional help, we can help point you toward the right resources.
We assist by moving: Our walks, cycles, runs and sessions are designed to pull you out of isolation and back into the brotherhood / sisterhood of the trades.
Final thoughts Mental health is just like site safety. You wouldn ' t walk onto a highrise without a harness; don ' t try to navigate a dark mental period without support.
Being Fit for F. I. T means being strong enough to admit when you ' re struggling. It means looking out for your mates. It means realising that a healthy mind is the most powerful tool you’ ll ever own. PA
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Systems: The secret tool every plumbing business owner needs( but few use properly)
By
Craig Lourens: Business Coach, ActionCOACH
Most plumbing business owners don’ t start their business because they love paperwork and checklists or software. They begin because they’ re good with their hands, they solve problems and they fix what others can’ t.
But here’ s the troubling reality: When you only run your business while YOU are working, you don’ t own a business, you own a job.
Systems are the bridge between being busy and building a business.
What is a system? A system is just how something is done every time, free from‘ figuring it out again’. That’ s not complex, of course. It’ s just repeatable.
Five types of systems:
1. A system in your head. For example,“ I check the five questions when a customer calls before booking”.
2. A simple written system. For example, a job card checklist for site visits.
3. People-based system. For example, office admin follows common process for billing.
4. Digital system. For example, job tracking software to document quotations, jobs and payments.
Craig Lourens, ACTIONCoach Business Coach.
© Plumbing Africa
April 2026 Volume 32 I Number 02 www. plumbingafrica. co. za