Is work affecting your health?

Do you find yourself at a stage where you notice how your work is affecting your health? Often it’s long and stressful hours combined with high pressure. Perhaps that has led to some unhealthy food and drink habits. Often there is little or no time for consistent movement and physical activity. If there is some kind of injury or niggle in the picture I wouldn’t be surprised it’s very common. In fact it’s the second most common reason why people are away on sick leave in the UK. 

I see first hand on clients how work has been affecting their health over a long period of time. They are doing great work in prioritising their health over work. However it’s not easy. It’s about setting boundaries and strategies in place so that you can take the time you need to improve your health. I know that it is easier said than done with work culture and expectations to meet. 

Work – injury – your health 

I have previously written a blog about how to prevent injuries at work, have a read if you want. Many times I have had new clients saying that they feel their injury is holding them back from being physically active. I totally understand the frustration when the attempts to be physical activity results in increased pain. Of course if something causes pain we won’t do that again in the near future. But not being physically active and not moving throughout the day will not improve symptoms. Hence why I encourage movement to and from and at work where most of us spend the majority of our time. 

What my clients have done to manage work and their health.

• The ones that have flexible work have implemented walks to break up the day. They say it really helps with their focus and concentration.
• They feel the benefits of exercise and have taken actions to be consistent. Such as communicating that to work and family.
• Some business owners have hired roles that can take some of their responsibilities so they can prioritise their health.
• Some are taking walking / standing meetings
• Since covid I know many clients replaced commute time with work. I know that some decided to be disciplined with when to stop work. That helped with making better food choices and of course taking important  time for oneself.

What can you do now to improve your health?

Even though your work and the hours you spend working will stay the same for some time being. what is the smallest change you can do in your daily routine to move the needle?

My suggestions are:

• Walk the long way to the tube, bus etc
• Aim to take one break where you move, walk, gentle stretches etc
• Try and go to bed 30 min earlier 2 day a week

Hope these suggestion gives you an idea of how to integrate habits that wont take up too much of your precious time.