Maintaining your health is vitally important. However, many people sabotage their efforts by living like workaholics as they try to get ahead. No matter how good your intentions are, working longer hours is bad for your health in many ways. Here are some of the health problems you could encounter.

Cardiovascular issues

When you go above and beyond consistently and are at the office well beyond a normal 8 hours, your risk for heart-related problems and diseases increases. Putting in the extra hours isn’t good for your heart. You may feel like you’re getting ahead now, but long-term you’re digging yourself into a health hole that will not be easy to climb out of.

Diabetes

Sitting for long amounts of time is not a benefit to your body. One of the big issues that can come from it is diabetes. To combat this, try to get a standing desk for your work. Getting on your feet is a major plus for your health. Also, whenever you’re able, take a walk. Use your lunch break to get on your feet and get out of the office for a little bit. When you’re home, avoid slipping into this work habit. Instead, get active and get moving.

Stress

Constant stress can result in many health issues. Obesity, high blood pressure, and heart illnesses can be linked to this. Also, long-term stress can have an impact on your mental health as well. This is why it is so important to unplug when you go home at night or on the weekends. Separating yourself from the stress greatly helps you in the long run.

Lack of Sleep

If you’re putting in the long hours, then your sleep is probably being sacrificed. On the surface, this seems like a good time to give up. However, not getting the sleep you need (7-9 hours for an adult, according to Mayo Clinic) can result in illness. Going without the sleep you need will result in you not only being more tired at work but unable to focus well and perform creatively. Sleep is when your body recharges, and without it, you’re more susceptible to a variety of diseases and illnesses.

Eye strain

By now it’s common knowledge that looking at a computer screen for an extended amount of time is bad for your eyes. If you find yourself with a job that requires this sort of work, practice the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes stare at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. This will help to reduce eye strain and the symptoms that go along with it, like headaches, nearsightedness, and other maladies.

Lack of exercise

When you’re staying at the office well after your normal 8 hours are up, one of the first things to go, other than sleep, is exercise. Being active during the week is very important. The life of a weekend warrior simply won’t cut it. Exercising cuts down on the chance of getting virtually any of the diseases and health issues that have been listed so far.

You may think you’re getting ahead by sticking around work longer, but you’re creating a huge potential problem for yourself. Take care of your health and work smarter, not harder. Take advantage of the time you have at work to be your most productive self.

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