Working yourself to death?

Researchers find that people who work more than this many hours a week, suffer physical and mental health problems. When it comes to your career, there is nothing worse than a job you hate, literally. Employees who worked more than 50 hours in a week suffered from decreased mental and physical health, the research found.Today, the workplace demands mean having to deal with new ways of communication, which did not exist over a decade ago.

• Workers earning more than ever – but stress levels soared fastest out of 10 EU countries
• New figures from CSO show average worker’s pay has reached a high point of almost €39,000
• Workplace stress doubled from 8pc in 2010 to 17pc in 2015, according to the ESRI

According to a University of Manchester study, having a “poor quality” job — a job you hate — is actually worse for your mental health than having no job at all.

In Ireland the majority of workers in every industrial sector claim to be stressed. According to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions 90% of voluntary sector workers consider their job to be stressful. Teachers (88%) and workers in the health service (82%) also report high levels of stress. Construction workers have the lowest levels of stress at 63%.

Sheila our course leader from Cork found herself in a stressful job, overloaded with work and struggling with her health.

Sheila’s story:

At the age of 25 years old I was working three jobs, working 85 hours a week for a minimum wage. I worked hard in catering and in bars. I thought that I would be able to reduce the workload as I got older. However I managed to continue working an insane number of hours into my 40’s. I was starting to show some signs of what I call my tired legs syndrome. This happens when you are running around in a stressful job while on your feet all day. I remember getting home in the evenings and when I sat down my back would physically spasm from exhaustion. I suffered from restless legs and even more worryingly a restless mind.

I was getting sick of working long hours. I was showing all the signs of adrenal exhaustion. I headaches, back pain, knee pain and palpitations on a daily basis.

I found Systematic Kinesiology Training at a time in my life when I needed it the most. I am convinced I was a prime candidate for a heart attack or a stroke. I smoked, drank, partied, worked crazy hours, had unfulfilling relationships, drank 15 cups of coffee a day and ate junk food.

Then I started to look for something to help me with my excruciating headaches and through kinesiology I found out that they stemmed from adrenal exhaustion. In retrospect I suspect I may have been adrenally exhausted for in excess of 20 years! We are all motivated to heal ourselves and fix our own health problems first and foremost and when we reach that place we feel this irrepressible need to help others suffering like we were.

I used to work 80 hours a week for the same income that I get now from working 16 hours a week. If you are looking for the freedom to be self employed and control of your own destiny and your own longevity, then training as a Systematic Kinesiologist is the most exciting and humbling and joyful career there is!

I used to work hard and now I hardly work, as I love what I do!

You don’t need a medical background or previous experience. You just need
a keen interest and passion for helping others; and a willingness to work towards your goals. I’ve discovered so much about health and how to live in a less stressed state!  I love helping others, and have a busy clinic.  I started my clinic as I was training, so that I got valuable experience, and built my confidence.  In fact, I joke that it was my clients who paid for my diploma fees because I earned as I was learning.  We were encouraged to value our skill set and start charging a small fee, which became a more professional fee as I qualified.  Training also includes business advice as well as practical lessons in client communication. We also get coaching on our own personal development as a caring professional Kinesiology practitioner.

If any of this resonates with you and you feel stuck in a similar pattern or you are looking for a chance to help people with their health, get in touch. Find out more about the Balanced Health training at www.kinesiologyzone.com/training

Sheila runs Talks and has Taster events coming up soon.  To find out more follow her on facebook https://www.facebook.com/kinesiologyROCKS