In today’s society, it’s common for people to put their careers before their health. They’ll often stay up late to catch up on backlogs, work through their lunch breaks, and forego annual check-ups to save time and money. It’s because they believe that everything is fine until it’s not.
Most of the time, this can lead people to ignore the warning signs that their health is starting to decline, especially after being on the back burner for a while. However, they might not understand that if they’re not healthy — physically, mentally, or emotionally — they won’t be able to work efficiently.
Here are four signs that you may be ignoring your health in favor of your career:
Sign #1: You’re Always Tired
If you find that you’re always tired, no matter how much sleep you get, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Feeling exhausted all the time can be a sign of burnout, depression, or another underlying health condition. If you’re constantly tired, you must see a doctor to rule out any potential health problems.
Suppose you’ve been putting in long hours at work for the past few weeks. You might think you can handle the extra stress and lack of sleep, but your body will eventually start to feel the effects. It can make you feel exhausted all the time, which will impact your work performance.
In this case, the best solution would be to take a break from work and focus on getting some rest. After all, you won’t be able to concentrate on your work if you’re constantly yawning or lethargic. Besides, once you’re well-rested, you’ll be able to perform at your best again.
Sign #2: You’re Stressed Out All the Time
It’s normal to feel stressed from time to time, but if you’re constantly stressed, it’s a sign that something needs to change. Prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health problems. If you’re struggling to cope with stress, you must talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
They can help you develop a plan to manage your stress healthily. For example, they might suggest that you start exercising, journaling, or meditating to relieve your stress from work and other responsibilities. De-stressing after a long day at work can be as simple as taking a hot bath or reading your favorite book.
You might think that being perpetually stressed is a norm these days because of the fast-paced world you live in. But if you find that your stress is impacting your work, personal relationships, and daily life, then it’s time to make some changes or seek professional help.
Sign #3: You’re Relying on Medications to Get Through the Day
If you find that you’re relying on caffeine, energy drinks, or other medications to get through the day, it’s a sign that your body is struggling to cope with the demands of your job. This can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
Suppose you’re popping pain relievers to deal with a throbbing toothache you’ve ignored for weeks. It might be an easy fix when you’re drowning in work responsibilities and can’t be bothered to schedule a dentist’s appointment, but soon enough, the painkillers will stop working.
Not only that, but the problem will likely get worse, and you might end up needing more medication or surgery to fix the issue. In this case, it would’ve been better to deal with the problem by getting an extraction and a dental implant sooner rather than later.
Sign #4: You’re Skipping Meals
When you’re busy, skipping meals or grabbing something quick and unhealthy on the go is easy. But if you’re skipping meals more often than not, it’s a sign that your health is taking a backseat to your career. Skipping meals can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other health problems.
If you’re struggling to make time for healthy meals, try prepping meals in advance or keeping healthy snacks at your desk. It’s easy to cook food in bulk on the weekends and then portion it out for the week ahead. Or, you can make a healthy sandwich or salad to enjoy at work.
Skipping meals might not seem like a big deal, but it can have severe consequences for your health in the long run. So, if you don’t think you can make your food regularly, consider subscribing to a meal delivery service. That way, you can have healthy and delicious meals without putting in the extra effort.
Maintaining both a healthy body and mind is crucial for your overall well-being. Unfortunately, neglecting your health is easy when you’re busy building your career. If you struggle to balance work and health, consider seeking professional help. This way, you can develop a plan to take care of yourself without sacrificing your career goals.
