Does job stress contribute to mental illness?
Why do we continue to work at a job that makes me unhappy?
Your mental health is worth it!
Good day, Beautiful souls! I hope you are staying safe and happy. So, you ask yourself... Why do I
continue to work at a job that makes me unhappy? No structure, no raises, poor communication ,
and no promotions! Constant and frequent job stress according to research will in fact contribute
to mental illness. Job related stress, no matter what it is, can affect you emotionally ,mentally and
physically. Frequently worrying about deadlines or problems can bring about symptoms of anxiety
and depression. Not to mention, the worry or anxiety that you are experiencing will definitively
make your ability to focus or concentrate difficult.
Work stress can also affect your sleep, and
who needs sleep, You do my friend! Not sleeping because of job related stress can leave you feeling
depressed, tired and anxious. It can affect your diet, either not having an appetite, or like many
of us, eating too much! This process can go on for months and months if you do nothing about it.
Feeling stuck and wondering” Should I stay or should I go”! I may not have the answers to that
question, but at least I can provide you with some concrete steps you can take to help you feel
better when dealing with job stress.
Sleep
Get enough sleep! Feelings of worry and stress can cause a lack of sleep, which will leave
you vulnerable to more distress in your life. Prioritize sleep in your life. Pick a time at
night to shut down. No checking emails, no cell phones , no social media . Try to implement
this practice and make it a habit. You will begin to feel better, I guarantee it. ! When you
give your body, the rest it needs, you will feel more emotionally balanced enabling you to
handle moments of stress better. Good news, right?
Prioritizing and Organizing
Prioritizing and organizing will need to be your BFF! Practice getting things ready the
night before, even getting your mind ready to take on the day. Waking up 5-10 minutes
earlier to mediate on the exceptional day, you will have. Get yourself grounded and filled
with positive energy to start the day . Whether you are working from home or heading
into the office, start the day off with positive energy. Stay organized by making a list of
tasks you need to complete and as you complete them, check them off one by one. The list
will get smaller and smaller, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment.
Patience
Last and definitely not least, practice patience! Patience is key and something that we all must hold space for. Evaluate your job and if it
brings you joy. Are you passionate about your job? Fulfilled? Does working there gives
you a sense of purpose? Think hard and reflect on those questions. Maybe it's time to make
a shift in your career, or explore new roles at your job. Its possible that you could have
outgrown your current position and need something more challenging. If that’s not an
option, then look for different opportunities that will make you feel a sense of purpose and
joy.
Step out of your comfort zone and be unafraid to try new things. Whatever the case may be, don’t stress, and continue to cultivate an attitude of growth and happiness. Your mental health is worth it!
With gratitude,