Workplace stress interferes with sleep for many modern employees. You’d expect that insomnia would be an issue for firefighters and emergency room doctors. However, a recent study found that boring jobs can have the same effect.
Researchers at the University of South Florida found that jobs with high and low demands disrupt sleep equally. You’re more likely to enjoy restful nights if you find a position with moderate pressures and a great deal of control.
It’s a useful reminder that stress has its upside. While we usually focus on the negative aspects, it can also make you feel excited and fulfilled.
Whatever you do for a living, you need your sleep. Try these suggestions when your day job keeps you up at night.
Making Your Job Less Stressful
1. Establish priorities.
If your workload feels overwhelming, plan your schedule in advance. Figure out what’s most important and urgent. Remain flexible so you can deal with changes as they come.
2. Take breaks.
You’ll accomplish more by pacing yourself. Pause between tasks and meetings to collect your thoughts and renew your energy. Do some stretches or go for a walk.
3. Minimize interruptions.
Help yourself to achieve a state of flow. Arrive early in the morning when the office may be quieter. Let your coworkers know about hours when you’ll be unavailable. Write your thoughts before you’re pulled away from what you’ve been doing.
4. Build connections.
Develop mutually supportive relationships. Show an interest in your colleagues. Engage in small talk and social activities.
5. Seek balance.
Set boundaries, and stick to them. Take weekends off. Avoid excessive overtime. If you work from home, keep office documents in a designated space away from your bedroom and other living areas.
Making Your Job More Challenging
1. Set goals.
If you have free time, use it to your advantage. Focus on your career development plan. Consider your options, and identify the resources and qualifications you’ll need. Make concrete plans for reaching your definition of success.
2. Learn new things.
Look for opportunities to gain knowledge and skills at your current job or in your free time. Take courses, and read books. Talk with others about their areas of expertise, and teach them what you know.
3. Be proactive.
Take on additional responsibilities. Your boss may have some duties they would happily delegate to you. Join committees, and volunteer for projects. Identify needs, and create proposals for addressing them.
4. Remember your purpose.
Routine paperwork can seem less tedious when you focus on the reason behind it. Ask yourself what you like about your job and how it helps others.
Other Suggestions for High-Quality Sleep
1. Be consistent.
Stick to a regular bedtime that allows you to wake up naturally feeling refreshed rather than reaching for the snooze button. Resist the urge to sleep in for more than an hour on weekends and holidays.
2. Optimize your bedroom.
Keep your bedroom dark and quiet. Use a fan or pink noise machine to mask car alarms and noisy neighbors. Replace your mattress if it’s starting to sag.
3. See your doctor.
If anxiety or insomnia interfere with your quality of life, let your physician know. They can rule out medical causes or refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night reduces your risk for many serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain.
Adopt positive work habits and a healthy lifestyle to stay strong and fit.
Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Insomnia Cures guide and also download the free health report available there!
Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over a decade and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.
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