5 Ways Your Job Could Be Damaging Your Health
While we all have to work to survive; your job shouldn't compromise your health or sanity. Here are five surprising ways your work might be putting your health at risk.
It requires a lot of sitting. It may come as no surprise to learn that sedentary behavior isn't good for you. According to recent studies , however, even relatively brief periods of sitting could lead to early death. Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the research showed that people who sat for longer than 90 minutes at a time were twice as likely to die, compared to people who sat for briefer periods. What's more, people who sat for stretches of less than 30 minutes had a 55 percent lower risk of death, compared to those who sat for longer than 30 minutes at a time. If your job requires a lot of sitting, try to get up and move around every 30 minutes. You should also consider getting a standing desk for occasional change of pace.
It stresses you out. Research has found that people are much more likely to die younger if they have high-stress jobs that give them little control over workflow. After studying over 2,000 subjects, the researchers found that stressful, low-control jobs were associated with a 15.4-percent increase in the likelihood of death. On the other hand, when people had more control at their jobs, they tended to experience less stress, along with a 34-percent decrease in the likelihood of death.
It interferes with your life. If your job overlaps with your family and social life, you could be at risk for long-term health problems. According to a study appearing in the European Heart Journal, people who work long hours at their jobs are two times as likely to suffer atrial fibrillation, compared to people who work fewer hours per week. This is just one of the many studies that have shed light on the importance of having a healthy work-life balance. If your job requires you to work long hours or stay connected when you should be off the clock, it may be time to think about making a change.
It requires a long commute. If you have to drive a long distance to your job, you could be putting your health at risk. According to experts, long commutes can increase your risk of serious medical issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and cardiovascular problems. If possible, think about looking for something closer to home, or consider moving a little closer to your job.
It keeps you up at night. Countless studies have shown that insufficient sleep increases our risk of all sorts of health issues , including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, obesity and early mortality. If your job forces you to work late or causes you to toss and turn at night, you could be at risk of developing medical problems. With this in mind, you need to consider whether it's worth risking your long-term health and well-being just for a paycheck. If you have the power to switch jobs or careers, consider making a change before it's too late.
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