Too Much Work Can Harm Your Health

by Libby Pelham | More from this Blogger

31 Jan 2012 07:57 PM

Some Americans define themselves by their work, so they work extra long and extra hard to accomplish their goals. Some Americans simply have to work long hours just to get by. Either way, working too much can be bad for your health.

One thing it can cause is depression. This seems understandable. WebMD has said that working too many hours may make you less interested in your friends and family as well as neglectful in good care of yourself.

Another problem that I worry about myself is sitting too much. I get involved in a web page or a blog and sit and work and work and work, without getting up. Sitting too much without a break can increase your chances of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart attack.

Another thing I worry about with my job is eye strain. While I am sitting, I am usually staring at a computer screen. I remember reading about programs that pop up to notify you every hour to get up and take a break. I need to remember to download one of those tomorrow!

Of course, when you work too much, you get less sleep. And we all know, less sleep equals health problems. You are more likely to gain weight, suffer from irritability, have cardiovascular problems and maybe even be more susceptible to cancer.

Working too much can be stressful. Just think about the commuting, your workload, dealing with co-workers, deadline, and just day to day tasks. Stress can also cause heart problems due to increased blood pressure and obesity.

So next time you think you need to spend extended hours at work (or working from home - that counts too!), give yourself a break if you can. Get outside if it is pretty, stretch, read a book, meditate, play with your kids - just doing something other than working can help your health.

Learn more about Libby Pelham

Libby Pelham is a web designer/freelance writer located in Memphis, TN. She has a beautiful little boy, Will, born in July of 2004.

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