Develop a new attitude about work -- it just might save your life | March 16, 2009

Welcome to your Monday.

And, unfortunately, to your heart attack. Research shows that Mondays are the most common day of the week for heart attacks. Certainly some information identifies physiological reasons, but psychology also can play a part.

That's because emotions such as stress, anxiety, dislike and others can cause such distress as to contribute to this traumatic event. Think about it. Does even the thought of going to work -- working with a certain person, handling a certain project, doing a certain assignment -- cause you indigestion?

I remember when I was a waitress at a 24-hour diner. For some reason, I would get a heavy feeling of dread, or even a headache, when it was time to go to work. I'm not sure why I had such trepidation, because I didn't consciously dislike the job all that much. In fact, I liked interacting with customers and getting tips. But for some reason, the closer it got to my 11 p.m. shift, the sicker I seemed to get. I was almost relieved when I was fired.

When you're having a physical reaction to your job, it's time to figure out how to address it. And when you have a negative emotional response, the same holds true. Sure, everyone has some stress at work from time to time, and there are some tasks we prefer not to do. But when we are suffering serious long-term physiological or emotional issues because of our work, that's not normal.

Or healthy.

The stress or drama going on at work is not worth dying for.

There is another piece to this work-related heart attack issue, too. And that is our tendency to glorify being a "workaholic." It does not help our health. I know in our society it has often become a badge of honor to claim to be a workaholic. But really, it's anything but. I know, I've been there, though never did I see it as a badge of honor. As a young entrepreneur when I worked my newspaper job all day, then came home to work my business most of the night, sleep was rare and long days were the norm.

I didn't mind it because I was young, single and really jazzed about my business. But my life is in a different place now. I recognize the importance of balance. Do I still continue to work hard? Of course I do. Running two businesses isn't easy. But just as I work hard and get lots done, I also enjoy time away from work. My husband and I sometimes leave the office to play tennis in the middle of the day, and sometimes racquetball (he plays racquetball way more often than I do). Sometimes I even take naps! There used to be a time when I would not have dared to step away for such, but now, I know getting away isn't just about having fun, it's about recharging. And it's about quality of life.

You need that balance, too. If you don't have balance, it's time to develop a new attitude toward work -- it just might save your life. Whether you're running a business or punching someone else's time clock, consider your work habits. Are you too busy to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner? Do you find yourself working 10, 12, 14-hour or longer days on a regular basis with no down time? Are you finding yourself getting overwhelmed by the demands of your job and you're not sure how to deal with it? Do you find yourself treating your health poorly because you've convinced yourself you are just too busy to do otherwise? Are you sacrificing important relationships because work has taken over your life?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, it's time to have a reality check. Is your work killing you?