When we think of "health" the first thing that comes to mind are health conditions like cancer, heart disease or diabetes. In addition, it reminds us of the endless doctor's and specialist appointments, or wait times for medical services. But evidence shows that, long before health conditions take over, health starts in our homes, schools, workplace and community.
In October, I had an opportunity to talk to many individuals at our local "Live it Up" seniors' expo in Delta, on "what contributes to health." I remember a conversation I had with one of the seniors at quite some length about what contributed to his health. He took great pride in describing the company he worked for, as a company that took the time and made the effort to maintain and enhance their employees' health and quality of work life.
This discussion on workplace wellness was the impetus for me to write today's column.
We spend most of our waking hours at work than anywhere else.
Work helps us earn a living, makes us who we are as individuals, and is a way of contributing to something larger. Having said that our work/workplace can either contribute to our health and wellbeing, or it can be a source of psychological anguish and poor health.
I often wonder if there is such a thing as work-life balance. Most of us want to be successful at work and that takes sacrifice, dedication and time. How do we do that and still make time for all the things we enjoy, and things that benefit our health. How are we doing as individuals and a family? What are we doing as employers to support those that work for us to help them achieve that balance?
Work-life imbalance is on the rise, largely due to work-related factors. Mental health issues are a growing concern in our communities and at work. Fifty eight per cent of Canadians report "overload" as a result of the pressures associated with work, home, family, friends, health, and community service. Job stress if unmanaged can contribute to depression as well as repetitive strain injuries, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, migraines and ulcers.
The intensity of the today's workplace is a factor in the frantic quest for the so-called work-life balance. There is little doubt that the demands of work have increased over the last few decades and our relentless need to be efficient, in many cases, leaves us with more work to do and less time to do it. In addition, we live in a "knowledge economy" where we are constantly bombarded with information; we feel we need to constantly update our knowledge to achieve the efficiency that other expect from us.
Many people are putting in extra hours, using various technologies to be on call when they're not physically at work and do whatever it takes to meet the demands of their job.
"Sleep well, eat right, stay active and get enough rest," is an advice we hear often and yet we ignore the significance this simple advice has on our health. Health is our biggest asset and too often we realize that, when we confront a health crisis.
Positive physical and mental health are a resource for our day to day activity. It helps us engage in activities we enjoy, manage our stress, and recuperate from daily life setbacks. To achieve and maintain both physical and mental health, a good work/life balance is critical.
If you're finding it challenging to juggle the demands of your job, family, and the rest of your life, you're not alone.
As an employee you can take steps to care of your health by taking brief breaks throughout the workday and minimize sitting for long periods, prioritizing work for the next day and week, and make a distinction between work and the rest of your life by protecting your private time by turning off electronic communications. After work, to help you feel more energized and refreshed, go for a nature walk, or listen to some music before beginning the evening's routine, decide what chores can be shared or let go, exercise, even if it's only for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
If you are overwhelmed and feel you need some help coping with life situations, consult with your family physician. Many companies also offer free counselling services through their benefits program.
On the other side of this equation are employers. Every employer knows that employees who are healthy and happy are good for business. Companies that offer employees a balance between their work and personal lives are more likely to keep employees happy in their current jobs. Yet sometimes, it's hard to know how to make that happen in your workplace, at an acceptable cost and effort.
Here is a list of resources that are available to help us reach our health goals:
QuitNow is a free service to help you quit smoking and remain smoke-free. Call 1.877.455.2233 (service is open 24/7)
http://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/
http://news.fraserhealth.ca/News/February-2014/Suffering-in-Silence-Shining-light-on-mental-healt.aspx
Healthy living - https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca
WellnessFits is a free comprehensive workplace wellness program that offers businesses and organizations resources and support they need to create healthy workplaces.
Sepia Sharma lives and works in Delta and feels passionate about the role vibrant and inclusive communities play in enhancing community health. She has over 20 years of experience in community development and is currently working as a Community Health Specialist with Fraser Health.
