Is Your Job Taking a Toll on Your Health?

Researchers found a correlation between heart disease and stroke among those working more than 55 hours per week, as compared to those working 35-40 hours. Even more alarming, data revealed thousands of deaths as a direct result of being over-worked.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind How Overworking Can Take a Serious Toll on Your Health     While there's a level of pride associated with being invested in our professional work, poor work-life balance can wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health. The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) found a correlation between heart disease and stroke among those working more than 55 hours per week, as compared to those working 35-40 hours.   Even more alarming, data from 2016 revealed approximately 745,000 attributable deaths and 23.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) as a direct result of being over-worked. Those living in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia were most affected, but the problem exists all over the world.     We are so stuck in the idea of the 40+ hour work week that even in the face of consistent, compelling evidence that it is non-optimal, we continue to remain firmly entrenched in the model."  —  CRYSTAL SHELTON, DSW, LCSW-C What This Means For You Striking a healthy work-life balance is easier said than done, but its importance cannot be understated. Take a close look at your existing relationship with work and outline ways you can find more balance.   Make it your goal to use all your PTO this year, create clear boundaries between work and personal life—such as avoiding your work computer or emails after 5pm—and prioritize stress-relieving activities.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Caroline Leaf, Ph.D., is a world-renowned neuroscientist, mental health expert, and host of the Cleaning Up The Mental Mess podcast. (She was also our guest on episode 52 of The Verywell Mind Podcast!) From mental burnout to depression to improving memory, the podcast provides practical, scientific-based tips that help us reclaim control over our mental, emotional, and physical health. "Off Balance," a self-help book by Matthew Kelly, tackles the topics of personal growth and satisfying professional development. Along the way, it provides helpful advice for how to strike the perfect balance between both. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Houseplants aren't just pretty—they've also been associated with improved mental health and reduced stress. If you don't yet have one for your workspace, consider doing so. Shop Bloomscape's curation of "easy indoor plants," which includes Chinese Fan Palms, Red Prayer Plants, and Philodendron. Read These Next Traits and Attitudes That Increase Your Risk of Burnout READ NOW How to Talk About Your Mental Health Challenges at Work READ NOW What to Do If You're Bullied at Work Because of Your Beliefs READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy