Do you work in a profession that includes hazards, both mental and physical health, stress, long hours and depressing work environments? It has been found that companies who invest in the well-being of their employees have healthier and happier workers.
The 8 professions with the worst health (from Fox News):
- Firefighter/Police officer
- Desk jockey
- Manual laborer
- Lawyer
- Healthcare shift workers
- Service and retail employees
- Enlisted soldier
- Transportation workers
It was surprising to see people who sit at their desk on the list, although it really shouldn’t have come as a surprise. There was a sharp decline in my health when I spent too much time working behind a desk. It slowed down on my exercise. Not only that but even when I was home I was overwhelmed by all of the stress. Plus, I didn’t take the time to prepare the healthy foods I needed.
Other professions like firefighter, police officer, manual laborers and enlisted soldier are just obvious. They are put in harm’s way all the time, which of course will increase stress and anxiety. It is really important that they take the time to care for themselves because they will stand up to physical pressure better and make better and quicker decisions if they are healthy.
I know enough lawyers to understand this one, they bill out hourly and work a ton of hours. They also live with a lot of stress, maybe not physical, but definitely mental.
Truck drivers, without question, have one of the unhealthiest professions there is. They sit all day, eat at rest stops, sleep weird hours, are subject to dangerous situations and accidents and are under a tremendous amount of stress. It was alarming to learn that the average expected life span of truck drivers is 61!
Service and retail employees work long hours on their feet and deal with a surprising amount of stress.
There are a lot of other professions that have major stressors. Parents of teenagers can be one of the most stressful times of your life. Teachers also have a pretty stressful work environment, especially if they work with special needs. There are some social workers who go home feeling ill every night.
Restaurant workers, especially in the most unhealthy food environments, are unhealthy as well. They eat the “over-sized” foods in huge portions that are intended for moderation or sharing, on a daily basis. Anyone in public service has a fairly stressful existence.
I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love. The truth is if I wasn’t mindful to care for myself, my profession could be unhealthy too. No matter what you do, if you find a way to put your health first, you are way ahead of the game. It is your choice.
You can make the decision now to do everything it takes to be healthy, fit and happy.
- Get up in the morning and do some kind of exercise.
- Eat whole foods.
- Take time to laugh and smile.
- Forgive those you love and live without resentment.
- Be kind and give of yourself to others.
- Take time for reflection.
If you do all these things, you will become healthier and happier.
I want to help you learn to be healthier and happier. I offer health coaching as well as lots of free information here. You can choose to work within a group or personal coaching or you can just stop by here. Make sure you sign up for updates, newsletters and get my free e-book to get you started on having more fun with food. Whatever you choose, you owe it to yourself to give yourself the gift of health. Jump in now, you will never, ever be sorry!
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