Many people today are working more than ever, and logging all of those hours isn’t necessarily good for our health. In fact, if you’re in a job that’s causing you a lot of stress, it could cause you a variety of health concerns that could even shorten your lifespan. But there are also some things that you can do about a job that requires a lot of you.
Effects of being overworked
Working too much isn’t the first thing that people think of when talking about work-related deaths. Unfortunately, people who work more than 55 hours per week are often overworked, and this can lead to health consequences like a greater likelihood of experiencing a stroke or dying from some types of heart disease. But overworked people are also more likely to experience symptoms like feeling foggy-headed and being more short-tempered. If you’re overworked, you might feel more anxiety, experience nausea, have more interpersonal conflicts, and have more trouble sleeping.
What to do if you can’t quit
We all need to make a living, and if you’re not in a position to quit your job, implement some of these stress-relieving techniques into your lifestyle. For instance, take the time to eat lunch, meditate, go out for a walk, and engage in other activities that bring you joy. You should also set boundaries at work by communicating to others about how much you can take on.
Long hours aren’t always productive
It might seem like working more will yield better results, but when employers overwork people, it sometimes actually decreases productivity. Plus, businesses that overwork their employees have more turnover and increased health costs for their employees.
You might not always be able to leave a job that leaves you feeling drained, but you should be aware of the health consequences so that you can put yourself in a better position in the future.