More than two decades ago “work-life balance” became the buzzword in the workforce. It became increasingly evident that workplace stress contributed to the rising healthcare costs and even deaths of many hardworking people.
According to our life coach in Melbourne, FL, having a poor work-life balance brings many disadvantages. You may be financially healthy because you’re earning more but your physical and mental health actually suffer.
Here are three ways that having a poor work-life balance can affect your health.
1. Sleep Deprivation
A study in the Lancet journal has shown that people who work too hard or work an average of 55 hours or more a week develop sleep deprivation. They are the ones who are unlikely to get at least eight hours of sleep a day, which is the most ideal sleeping hours.
People who are sleep deprived have a higher risk of suffering from stroke or cardiovascular diseases because they don’t give their body enough time to rest and recuperate with sleep.
According to the SleepFoundation.Org, sleep deprivation and heart problems are closely linked together. Regardless of age, gender, weight, lack of physical activity, and bad habits like smoking, those who do not get the right amount of sleep have higher blood pressure and greater chances of developing cardiovascular problems.
2. Anxiety or Depression
People who immerse themselves in work are at risk of having mental health issues like anxiety or depression, per the journal Psychological Medicine. Experts learned that female workers clocking in more than 55 hours a week have a 267 to 284 percent increase in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who work under 40 hours.
Taking on more workload means that you have less time to spend with family and friends, or for personal leisure and recreational activities, which are very important for managing stress. Thus, some companies today are now offering flexible hours and enforcing shifting schedules so that every worker can also enjoy their life outside of work.
3. Physical Functioning
A long-term study published in the journal Age of Ageing found out that workaholics may have poorer physical functioning later in life when they are retired. The research showed that older people who used to work too hard have lower vitality, more health problems, and poor physical functioning compared to those who had a normal work-life balance.
This means that the effects of a poor work-life balance can still impact a worker even in retirement. The consequences may not be immediate but they can still be experienced later in life.
Getting help from a skilled life coach in Melbourne, FL can help you craft a way to balance your career and personal life to avoid these health problems, among other repercussions.
Learn more about Dr. Chisie’s life coaching in Melbourne, FL
If you are struggling with any area of your life, you might want to seek the help of our life coach in Melbourne, FL. Dr. Chisie of Acuhealth Family Medicine will help you have a clear view of your strengths, weaknesses, and needs and guide you on how to use these to reach your goals. We offer free consultation on your first visit.
You can conveniently book an appointment online or visit us in our clinic. For inquiries, you may contact us at 321-422-2240.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
