From commuting to having an overbearing boss, sometimes work-related stress is simply unavoidable. That being said, there are things that you can do to try and make life a little easier. After all, when you spend more time at work than anywhere else, you need to make sure that you are putting yourself first.
You’re Always Working Overtime
It’s very rare for you to find a job in this day and age, that allows you to leave on time every single day. Most people will find themselves working late or even trying to get in early just so that they can check everything off their to-do list. Studies have shown that two out of three employees work a full extra day every week, on top of the hours that they are contracted to because they have so much to do. That being said, you do need to make sure that you do what you can to try and stop your posture from becoming slumped. If you don’t put in the work to try and stop your posture from becoming too bad then this may well cause you long-term health issues. If you find that your contracted hours are not sufficient enough for you to complete your work then talk to your line manager. This will help you to find out what needs to be done so that you can then delegate efficiently.
You Never Get Up
Prolonged sitting has been linked time and time again to a higher risk of heart disease or even diabetes. You may find that you also experience muscle problems as well. If you want to make sure that you are not putting your health at risk, then you have to make sure that you get up every half an hour so that you can move around. You also need to make sure that you take the time to make sure that your posture is correct. Remember that a fancy chair will not solve your issues if you do not sit in it properly. If possible, you have to make sure that you sit with your knees below hip level. This will encourage your pelvis to tilt forwards. The shoulders and the muscles can then relax in this position, reducing fatigue while also helping you with any neck or shoulder tension. If possible, you need to check to see if your company offers desk assessments so that you can see how best to reduce the risk that comes with your working environment.
You’re Hearing is Going
If you know that your hearing is not as good as it used to be then you may find that your job is to blame. If you work in a very busy place or if you know that there is loud machinery then your hearing may become damaged over time and this is the last thing that you need. If you want to solve this then you need to put in the work to make sure that you wear the appropriate hearing protection. If you can do this then you will soon find that you are able to improve your health and that you can also protect your hearing as well. If you are a musician, and you gig full-time then you should know that there are some hearing loss prevention products out there, specially designed for music.
You Never Sit Down
If you take things to the other extreme, you will soon see that jobs that require you to be on your feet all the time also come with a huge number of issues. 50% of the world’s employees spend around 75% of their time standing up. This may be because they work in the pub industry or that they work in retail. Either way, if you are always up and on your feet, then this can lead to issues such as varicose veins and swelling in the feet. You may also experience circulatory problems and heart issues too. Plantar fasciitis is another issue, that you need to try and make yourself aware of. Comfortable shoes that have a good amount of arch support are a must-have when you spend a lot of time on your feet. Taking regular breaks to stretch out will also be of great help to you.
You have a Long Commute
This is an unavoidable aspect that most people experience in their careers. At the end of the day it’s not always possible for you to live close enough to your work but traveling for long periods of time can have a huge impact on your health overall. Those who have to travel more than half an hour to work every day find that they have way more anxiety when compared to those who don’t have to travel much at all. Finding a job that is closer to home may not always be an option, for most people and if this is the case, you may still be able to use the time to your advantage. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for you, and believe it or not, opting for cycling or even public transport can have you being way less stationary. It’s also wise for you to carry water with you so you can stop yourself from becoming dehydrated.
You’re Awake at Night Thinking About Work
Sleep really does affect your work, but at the end of the day, you have to remember that work can have a huge impact on your sleep as well. Most adults require 8 hours of sleep every day, but this can vary depending on who you are. High levels of stress can interfere with your sleeping patterns and it can also affect your wellbeing too. Not getting enough sleep can really increase your chances of obesity and you may even find that it makes you more prone to being forgetful. You may find that you have more accidents too, and this is not beneficial in the workplace. Improving your sleep has to be a top priority if you don’t feel as though you are getting enough, then you need to get this sorted as soon as possible.