Is Your Job Negatively Impacting Your Health
June 25, 2019This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please view my policy page for more information.
Whether you go to work full time, or part-time, 9-5 or on the night shift, the chances are that your career will have an effect on your health and wellbeing. Of course, that is all well and good as long as it's a positive one, but when our jobs start to impact our lives negatively, something is wrong. Luckily, you can find out more about the sort of things you need to look out for and how to deal with work-related situations that could be damaging your health.
Mental health
While we are becoming more aware of the impact our career can have on our mental health, the support and advice available to you really does depend on what type of field you are in, and even on the individual workplace.
Of course, if you are in a position where you are being bullied or asked to do things aren't comfortable with, then it is vital to take action as fast as possible.
One thing you can do is to speak to your HR department about this as they can act on your behalf, so you don't have to work everything out on your own. Additionally, if your stress levels are so high that you cannot work, going to your doctor to get signed off can give you the opportunity to rest and recuperate and address the issue when you return.
Hearing
You may not know it, but your job could be damaging your hearing! In fact, many people that work in very noisy environments go on to suffer from hearing loss and related conditions like tinnitus.
What this means is that it is vital that you use things like hearing protection for musicians to minimize the decibels that you are exposed to on a daily basis. In fact, if you work in a factory environment, such devices should be supplied for you. Although, if you are a musician, it may be up to you to provide your own to be worn during rehearsal and sound checks.
Muscle Strains
Sadly, many people suffer from muscle strain at work. In fact, these tend to fall into one of two categories. The first is a strain that is a result of injuries caused by incorrect manual handling, something that your health and safety department should brief you on how to do correctly.
The second type is repetitive strain injury (RSI), usually around the wrist caused by an extended period of computer use and typing. In fact, such a condition often comes on pretty slowly because it is the accumulation of multiple strains without giving them time to heal that causes it.
Of course, there are treatments for RSI such as surgery where the tendons are cut to release the pressure. However, it is much more preferable to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Something that you can do by learning how to touch type accurately, taking regular breaks, using the correct wrist supports, and also ensuring that your desk ergonomics are correct.
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