In a 2017 survey, 63 percent of workers said job-related stress drove them to unhealthy behaviors, such as drugs and alcohol abuse.
Are you one of these people? Well, if you’re, it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone. What’s discomforting, though, is the potential health consequences you’re facing.
The good news? There is a way out!
In this article, we’re telling you why taking some time to treat yourself is good for your health and career.
Let’s indulge, shall we?
Avoid Mental Illness
One never really grasps the devastating and life-threatening nature of a mental illness until the condition strikes them. Let’s admit it: most of us bump into mad people and wonder how they go there.
However unlikely losing your sanity looks, the truth is stress is a major trigger. Left untreated or unmanaged, stress causes serious mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are also never too many pulses away.
While there are many sources of stress, job pressure is among the most common, and it’s easy to see why. In an economy where many households are living paycheck to paycheck, people have no choice but to keep putting in the hours at work.
As a dentist, you’re certainly familiar with this. How many times have you worked beyond regular hours just to attend to an extra patient and earn that extra dollar?
Yes, it’s perfectly okay to chase a higher income, but don’t push your limits. Listen to your body. When you find yourself losing concentration regularly or getting nudges to nap, take a break from work.
Take a road trip. Book a vacation. Read more on that to make the most of your money.
Achieve Better Work-Life Balance
Left to our own devices, most of us would probably move into work and spend the rest of our lives there! No, seriously. Why else why a whole 66 percent of American workers strongly believe they have no work-life balance?
A good work-life balance is as vital to the success of your family life as it is to the success of your professional life.
When you overwork, you’re leaving little time to yourself and the people close to you. Consequently, your social relationships will suffer. This is not a good thing, for when you’ll roll into difficult times and need a shoulder to lean on, there will be none.
Work-life balance is also good for your productivity. When you’re happy and the people around you are brimming with happiness, you’ve extra motivation to work harder.
So, let work time be work time, and “me/family” time be “me/family” time. Over the weekends, don’t think about work. Don’t even monitor that work email address. That’s time for yourself and family. Catch a movie. Go out for dinner. Do gardening if it’s a breath of fresh air you need.
By All Means, Go Treat Yourself
Many professions, including dentistry, require dedication and hard work. However, many professionals focus on their jobs, forgetting that all work and no play not only makes them dull, but also exposes them to a host of potentially deadly conditions.
Don’t be sucked into that. Take regular downtime, unwind, and treat yourself. And while at it, spend some time to explore our blog for more insight.