It’s no secret that having a high-stress job can affect your physical and mental health. Staying healthy and keeping your sanity can be hard when you’re always working long hours and dealing with constant stress. The pressure to perform well at work can often lead to unhealthy habits, such as skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, or relying on caffeine to get through the day.
Entrepreneurs, for instance, have a lot on their plate and are constantly juggling multiple tasks while dealing with the stress of making business decisions. On top of this, they also have a life outside of work. It’s no wonder why up to 78% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health.
So, how can you stay healthy and sane when you have a high-stress job? Here are some tips:
Make Time for Health Appointments
When was the last time you went to your doctor and dentist? Chances are, you’ve been putting off your health appointments in favor of your work commitments. But it’s essential to make time for your health, even if it means taking a half day off from work or appointing one weekend for all your appointments.
Invest time in health checkups and screenings even if you are feeling healthy. This will help you catch any health issue early on and prevent it from worsening. The least you can do is attend your annual physical exams to ensure everything is in order. The same goes for your dental health.
Usually, you only need to visit your local dentist twice a year for checkups unless you have a specific dental concern. But if you have a high-stress job, consider adding an extra appointment to your schedule to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. Doing so will help you maintain those pearly whites that are extremely helpful when meeting clients or giving presentations. Make sure your dental clinic offers other specialized services on top of basic dental services. This way, you won’t have to visit another practice just to get a tooth replacement, wants an Invisalign treatment, or do other dental procedures.
Take Breaks When You Can
When you’re always working, it can be easy to forget to take breaks. Remember to take a step back from your work every now and then and give yourself a break. This can help you clear your head and come back to your work refreshed.
Take mental breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Step away from your desk and take a short walk, stretching or meditating. You can also try listening to calming music, reading a book, or catching some sleep during your break.
If you have the opportunity, take a vacation from work. This will give you some time to relax and recharge. Don’t forget to use your paid time off, so you don’t end up burning out.
Find Ways To Stay Active
Not all professionals have a desk job. If you have a physically demanding job, finding ways to stay active when you’re not working is important. This can help reduce stress and prevent injuries.
If you can, exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. You don’t need to go to the gym to do this. Even without any gym equipment, you can do bodyweight exercises at home or go for a run in your neighborhood.
For those with desk jobs, try to find ways to stay active while working. You can do some simple exercises at your desk, such as stretching or doing chair workouts. You can also take a few minutes to walk around the office every hour. Think of ways to be more active outside the office, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or biking to work.
Practice Saying No
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to learn how to say no. When you’re always saying yes to work commitments, you overload your schedule, which can lead to burnout. Practicing saying no will give you the chance to focus on yourself and not just on your work.
Of course, you can’t say no to every opportunity that comes your way. But if you feel like you’re already stretched thin, it’s okay to turn down a project or an event. Keep in mind that it’s better to do a few things well than to try to
Start by evaluating your priorities. From there, you can start saying no to tasks that are not a priority or that you don’t have the time for. It can be challenging to do this at first, but remember that your mental and physical health should always be among your priorities.
Let’s say you have a 9-5 job, but you’re also working on a side hustle. You’re starting to feel burnt out because you’re always working. To prevent this, try to set boundaries between work and personal life. You can set office hours for your side hustle and take some time off every weekend to relax. This will help you avoid burnout, and you’ll be able to focus on your work when you’re at the office.
Have Fun With Others
Working with others can be a great way to reduce stress and have fun. When working on a team, you can rely on others to help you with your workload. This can take some of the pressure off of you and be a lot of fun.
If you’re feeling stressed at work, try to find ways to have fun with your colleagues. See if you can join a sports team or start a game of tag in the office. You can also organize social events after work, such as happy hours or movie nights.
Make sure to take some time to have fun with people outside of work, especially your family and friends. Studies show that social support can help reduce stress. So go out and have some fun, and don’t forget to take breaks from work when you need them.
There are ways you can stay sane and healthy despite having a high-stress job. Taking mental and physical breaks, staying active, saying no, and having fun with others are great ways to reduce stress. Remember that your health should always come first, so do take care of yourself.
