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Working too much affects both your physical and mental health.
I know. Shocking, right?Â
It doesn’t matter how many times people tell you that’s a lie and insist you’re just “soft”. Know that overworking leads to burnout, which can harm you, so..
IGNORE THAT ADVICE!
Here are two of the most problematic ways your work can affect your physical and mental health:Â
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation (both acute and chronic) is probably one of the most common physical side effects from being overworked.
Quick definitions (with help from The Sleep Foundation article HERE):
- Acute SD is when your sleep is interrupted for a short period of time, like while you’re working on a project or hurrying to meet a deadline.
- Chronic SD is when you’re unable to get quality sleep every night and it continues long-term (three months or longer).Â
Sleep deprivation can affect your body in a flurry of horrid ways.
There are increased risks of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Lessened immune function
- Hormone imbalances
- Chronic pain
- Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
SD leads to stress, which leads to an increase of cortisol, the “stress hormone”. Yes, cortisol release is a normal response to stress, but excess stress leaves you with excess cortisol.
That can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Thinning hair
- Mood swings
- And more
Mental Health
Anything that negatively affects your mental health isn’t good in the long run. Being unhappy for extended periods naturally leads to depression, anxiety or other disorders.Â
While people can be quick to dismiss the importance of mental health, especially those who are stuck in their ways, it’s been proven time and time again that mental health can have serious impacts on physical health.
It’s important to take the time to research ways to better your mental health. I compiled a list of resources HERE for you. Being in a better mood helps stabilize your hormones and decreases the risks mentioned earlier in the post.
According to THIS post on The Cleveland Clinic’s website, decreased cortisol helps boost your immune system’s function. Yay for health!Â
Working smarter will help you:
- Sleep better
- Stabilize your weight
- Feel more refreshed when you wake up
Improving your work-life balance boils down to the effort you put into improving both your mental and physical health.
Get professionals involved if you need to.
Your health depends on it 🙂Â
Stock Photos:
resources
Struggling to find that work-life balance? Having a hard time shutting down the “work” side of your brain?
I have a bundle for you!Â
- Worksheets
- Journal
- E-book
- Coloring Pages
