Working overtime is a normal practice in today’s job market. But who determines when burning the midnight oil begins to tip the scale to the “unhealthy” side of living?

Overtime or working more than 40 hours isn’t a new concept and it’s always been driven by trade or profession and by what legislation or society sees as reasonable. But studies have proven too much overtime can affect one’s health. One such study measured the effect of overtime on more than 300 Japanese men who worked for 3 different Japanese companies. Based on the results, it was concluded that for these men, overtime led to higher blood pressure and  body mass index (BMI).

But even with studies showing that too much overtime isn’t good for our health, it remains a controversial issue and employees struggle to find balance.

So what’s the answer?

Your health should always come first even if the overtime hourly rate is appealing. Just like your mother taught you; remember to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise. Join a gym and try to find time to work out for at least three hours a week. This will help increase your energy and help you sleep more soundly. Take up yoga, as it teaches you how to relax and de-stress.

The laws regarding overtime may vary by state or country, but the law to good health is unchangeable. We have one body, one life and we need to take care of our- selves. If we forget to do this, then we won’t be much help to anyone on the job, never mind to our selves or to our loved ones. Lifestyle is just that; the style or quality of life. Never let a job interfere with your health and be sure to find time to devote just to you.

REFERENCES:

Hayashi T, Kobayashi Y, Yamaoka K, Yano E. (1996) Effect of overtime work on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. J Occup Environ Med 38:1007-111. [CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]

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