Are you feeling off lately at your job as well as before or after? Maybe it's those constant headaches, that gnawing back pain, or just a sense of exhaustion that never seems to go away. What about mentally?
Now, needless to say, mental health and physical health are closely intertwined, so that’s something you’re going to have to think about. But is that all? Well, no, if you want your health to improve (physically and mentally), you absolutely need to get to the bottom of all of this! So, what’s the cause? Is it your job?
Well, if your job is the culprit, you're not alone. Unfortunately, many people struggle with job-related health issues, and it's a real problem. You’re working to live, not living to work, so why is this causing such a nasty impact on you?
Well, it’s so important not to immediately worry about this, as there is some hope. So, with that all said, here's what you can do to start feeling better.
Table of Contents
Start By Recognizing the Signs at Your Job
For starters, you need to recognize the signs. Sometimes, it's tricky to connect the dots between your job and how you're feeling. If you find yourself constantly stressed, anxious, or physically unwell, take a step back and consider if work might be the reason.
You need to understand that chronic stress can manifest in all sorts of ways—insomnia, digestive issues, and even a weakened immune system. Are you catching every cold that goes around the office? That might be a clue.
Evaluate Your Work Environment
Next up, take a good look at your work environment. Is your workspace ergonomic? Are you sitting all day without breaks? Do you have to deal with a toxic boss or co-workers? These factors can heavily impact your well-being (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference.
You’re going to have to adjust your chair, take regular breaks to stretch, or even talk to your HR department about improving the office atmosphere. Now, don’t immediately expect HR to help; after all, they protect the company, not the employees. So, depending on what you’re reaching out about, you might be able to get a solution, but maybe not; it’s hard to say.
Are You Able to Set Job Boundaries?
One of the hardest things to do, but often the most necessary, is setting boundaries. Yes, you read that right! So many people (regardless of job, industry, or position) all seem to struggle. This can be especially tough in a high-pressure job where the lines between work and personal life blur.
Nowadays, this blur seems to be getting worse, as if you’re supposed to be on the clock all day, every day, even during weekends.
So, if you’re able to (because technically, not everyone can due to the work culture), you should try to start by defining clear work hours and sticking to them. When you're off the clock, be off the clock. It might even be a good idea to just turn off email notifications, avoid taking work calls, and dedicate that time to yourself. It's not about slacking off; it's about preserving your health.
Explore Legal Options
In some cases, if your job is causing significant health problems and your employer isn't taking steps to help, you might need to explore legal options. Actually, if you have certain health conditions linked to past employment, you should still look into getting legal help.
No one wants to do this, but sometimes it's necessary. Hiring a lawyer such as Sokolove Law or any other that specializes in employment law can help you understand your rights and take the appropriate action to protect your health and livelihood.
Consider Professional Help
So, as mentioned above, getting legal help is not necessarily the only option. Actually, if your health issues are severe, you might want to consider other options, like seeking professional help. This could mean talking to a therapist, a doctor, or even a career counselor. If you were to see any of these, that would help build a case, especially if you plan to see a lawyer.
Make a Plan for Your Job + Career
If things don’t improve, it might be time to make a more drastic change. You only live one life; your employer doesn’t deserve to zap away everything from you! So, instead, it’s going to be a really good idea if you were to start planning your exit strategy.
This doesn’t mean you have to quit tomorrow, but having a plan can give you peace of mind. Update your resume, start networking, and look for job opportunities that might be a better fit. Sometimes, just knowing you have a way out can alleviate some of the stress you're feeling.
