Five Warning Signs Your Job is Hurting Your Health

Stress at the workplace can extend beyond the office; even though you may not realize it, the frustrations and setbacks from a day at work can have a significant impact on your personal life-and your health. Deadlines and workloads can start to creep up to epic proportions, leaving you fatigued and anxious more often than not. If you're coming home in a low mood, you'll often end up having less time to focus on other positive aspects of your life; family, social relationships, and even your creativity can take a back seat. When your life seems a little out of balance, sometimes a fresh perspective and outlook on your weeks is just what the doctor ordered. You can start by catching a few signs that may be leading to poor health.

#1: Chronic Tension and Pain

You may notice consistent back and neck aches, which are generally a result of poor posture and tense shoulders. The bad habit of hunching while concentrating can lead to multiple back and spine problems, which can trigger a variety of health problems in the long term. From the computer desk to the stairs to your office, constant strain can do a number on your physical health.

Impact on health: Poor posture and difficulty concentrating for long periods of time

How to change it: Get a regular massage, and learn about posture basics from a chiropractor or massage therapist. You can curtail spine problems by staying in shape and learning proper breathing techniques.

#2: Weight Gain
If those pounds are just piling on, watch that diet! Office luncheons, business meetings at restaurants, and even happy hour get-togethers aren't going to help your waistline. Being a top performer involves paying attention to your diet; choose wisely!

Impact on health: Ongoing weight gain, difficulty eating well on a regular basis; fatigue and low energy

How to change it: Pack a lunch, and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning. Snack on healthy food throughout the day, and head to the gym after work instead of socializing a few times per week.

#3: Morning Blues

Those morning blues can be kicked to the curb with a few simple techniques. When it's a struggle to get up early and focus for the 8 a.m. meetings, it's likely that your schedule isn't compatible with your sleep and rest cycle. An overdependence on caffeine just to make it through can have some unhealthy side effects in the long-term.

Impact on health: Low mood, higher chance of anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue and inability to concentrate.

How to change it: Get up earlier for a light workout, and jumpstart your day. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast and limit caffeine until later in the day so your body can wake up naturally.

#4: Post-Work Fatigue

Another key indicator is your after-work state of mind. Driving home from work might include catching up on phone calls and e-mails on the way home. It might become increasingly difficult to break away from the office, no matter how many miles you drive. Even when you've made a commitment to leave work at the office, it ends up overlapping into your home life on a regular basis.

Impact on health: Limited time to relax and de-stress.

How to change it: Commit to leaving the cell phone and PDA off on your trek home; listen to soothing music or your favorite radio station instead.

#5: Office Politics

Office politics and social situation can quickly become emotionally draining; not only can you get caught up in office gossip, but in many cases will make it difficult for you to do your job. It will also reduce your options for nurturing positive relationships at home.

Impact on health: Low self-esteem, limited energy to develop healthier relationships outside of the workplace

How to change it: Maintain a professional attitude at work, and create a strong social support and network outside of work. Avoid depending on workplace-only events to socialize.

Once you identify the key reasons behind the negative parts of your week, it's much easier to make some changes. You don't need a complete life makeover to make change happen; just find out what may be triggering the stress, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. The payoff will be well worth it-increased productivity, improved job satisfaction, and an enhancement to your lifestyle are just a few reasons to get started!