No one wants to lose their job. Jobs provide security, income, and for some people, a sense of identity in the modern business world. Yet, at the end of the day, a nine-to-five gig is not more important than a person’s health and wellness. Though it might sound extreme, the reality is that a toxic work environment can cause increased stress, which can lead to a host of medical issues. If you’ve been feeling tightly wound because of your workload, then this blog is for you. Here, we’ll explain what to do if your job is causing you undue stress:
Signs Your Job is Making You Unwell
A stressful job may affect people in a myriad of ways. However, if you’ve experienced one or more of these issues, then it could be a sign that your career aspirations are hurting your physical and mental health:
- Inability to sleep.
- Muscle aches and pains.
- Lack of energy.
- Headaches
- Mood swings.
- Diminished libido.
- Changes in appetite.
At the end of the day, if you’re unhappy with your position, then your body will react to that level of stress and anxiety.
Causes of Work Stress
No two people share the exact same work experience, and, as a result, the sources of consternation and frustration at work will probably differ. Still, here are a few common reasons why people feel unwell as a result of their job:
- Unreasonable workload (over 40 hours in a week).
- Working on the weekends or nights.
- Fear of getting fired.
- Disrespectful colleagues, customers, and/or managers.
- Impossible expectations.
It’s important to note here that all jobs carry some degree of stress and difficulty. Nevertheless, there’s a big difference between grinding through the odd tough day and actively dreading going to work. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to alleviate workplace malaise.
How to Improve Your Situation
Trying to excel in a position that is hurting your health and wellness might seem admirable, but it’s not sustainable or wise. Instead of letting a tough job kill you, consider adopting one (or more) of the following strategies:
- Take some time off and allow yourself more free time during the week to relax.
- Delegate tasks to other coworkers.
- Embrace new technologies. (To use a very specific example, a quality mobile pharmacy POS systemcan make running a drugstore much more manageable.)
- Speak to your boss and voice your concerns.
- Request a transfer.
Even if a job is making you miserable, it can still be very difficult to find the courage to change your situation. That’s why it’s important to remember that you have to look out for your health and wellness first and foremost. As scary as it may be to leave your current position, making a positive change is the first step to bolstering your physical and mental health.
