Are you a workaholic? Working for more than 55 hours per week can increase 35% higher risk of a stroke
According to WHO and ILO statistics, it is related to an estimated 35% greater risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease than working 35-40 hours per week. So, is "work intensification" the new normal for many?
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FollowLong working hours are known to account for approximately one-third of the total estimated work-related illness burden and have been identified as the risk factor with the highest occupational disease burden. Working 55 or more hours per week, according to WHO and ILO statistics, is related to an estimated 35% greater risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease than working 35-40 hours per week. So, is "work intensification" the new normal for many?
A possible explanation is that persons who have long working hours are more stressed, and high concentrations of stress hormones can raise the risk of clogged arteries and the development of blood clots, which can cause strokes and heart attacks.
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Harmful effects of long working hours
Apart from the stress, there are many other ways by which working too much can impact your health.
1. You are not getting adequate sleeping time of 8 hours a day
2. Either you are not eating food properly or having unhealthy food habits
3. You are not exercising
4. You are neglecting relationships
5. Indulging in habits like smoking and alcoholism
6. You are predisposed to other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, overweight, high cholesterol and sedentary lifestyle activity
7. Ignoring the warning signs leading to delay in treatment
How to manage work stress and excess working hours
One should always watch for signs of burnout or unhealthy work-life balance, which include self-neglect, not focusing on mental health, unmeaningful work, the constant worry about job performance, difficulty balancing between work and family life and developing loneliness.
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It’s essential to have a work-life balance that will make you productive and healthier overall. It is essential to set boundaries and make a routine. At the same time, giving some hours of the day to activities like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and meditation will be grateful to remove the work stress and keep the mind diverted. One should get out of the guilt of clocking out of the office when everyone else is at work. No amount of guilt is bigger than your wife, parents or child. At the same time, the government should regulate the working hours.
-Dr. M Sudhakar Rao, Consultant - Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur
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