Here's What Happens to Your Body When You Hate Your Job

Jun 17, 2019 by apost team

There is no way to avoid a bad day at work every now and then. It is also normal for two or three of these bad days to run consecutively on some occasions. But you should be careful to notice immediately if your work experience is turning into a never-ending source of stress that is capable of ruining your health.

Jeffrey Pfeffer is a behavioral scientist at the University of Stanford. Pfeffer says the number of Americans struggling with toxic employment issues needs to be addressed by employers and employees alike. Through his research, Pfeffer determined that toxic work conditions cost employees 120,000 lives each year and are responsible for eight percent of the money spent on health issues. Often, your body will know your job is a stressor before you are fully conscious of this fact.

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Muscle tension is a defense mechanism that protects the body from injury. This mechanism is also triggered in high-stress situations. When your body perceives your workplace to be a danger zone, your muscles will often remain tightly wound according to the American Psychological Association (APA). When this tension is commonly felt in the head, shoulders, and neck, it can cause migraine-like symptoms.

A toxic job can cause your brain to send false signals to your body that floods your system with cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones that accompany stress says the Mayo Clinic. You will constantly feel on-edge in anticipation of the pending blowup you are sure you will have with your boss or a coworker.

If you constantly find that your jaws are clenched or your shoulders hunched in the workplace, you may need to find another job.

Stress is like fuel for people that suffer from any type of mental health issues. A 2012 analysis of more than 270 studies demonstrated that employees who feel they are treated unfairly in the workplace are more likely to over-eat and suffer from depression.

The Mayo Clinic also notes that stress weakens the immune system. If you find that you constantly catch colds one after the other, you may need to take a step back and analyze your feelings about the job you work.

Spending time in toxic environments will drain your energy. Most people spend more time in the workplace than any other place besides their home. This sets the stage for chronic fatigue, says the Better Health Channel.

Loss of appetite, stomach pain, and loss of interest in sex are all positive side effects of a toxic workplace, notes the APA.

A toxic work environment can wreak havoc on your health. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you might want to reevaluate your relationship with your job. You should also send this article to the people you call friends. They might find they are in need of a change of employment.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!