Career VS Health – The Battle Continues and Yet the Question remains: Why Choose?

Have you ever wondered why “mental health” is a concern for most nowadays? We all experience the same number of hours in a day and yet, we differ in terms of what we have all achieved.

Do you consider your success in numbers? By how much you have earned for the day? Or by the life experiences and adventures you have surpassed? Our focus, goals, and priorities vary and having to choose put a strain to all of us.

The reality is, life is difficult as it already is. It ain’t easy keeping the balance in all areas of your life – relationship, career, health, and personal goals. Coca-Cola’s former CEO, Brian Dyson once said:

[…] Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit. And you’re keeping all of these in the air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends, and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.

by Brian Dyson, Coca-Cola’s Former CEO.

What he said was spot on and yet, no matter how easy this concept is to grasp, it ain’t that easy to put in action. What you prioritize first is usually what you deem you need the most.  Sadly, a lot of people has chosen to prioritize career. Why? Because it pays the bills!

What is even more depressing is the fact that even if this is the case, 85 percent of workers worldwide admit hating work.

Career, Money, and Happiness

One can’t help but put these three together. It follows the assumption that if you are successful in a career, you will have a steady flow of money. If you don’t worry about money, then you have fewer things to worry about and so as a result, it causes you to have a happier disposition. Research shows that high income improves one’s disposition. It does not, however, have a direct correlation with happiness.

According to Professor Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in economics:

“Wanting money is not a recipe for disaster, but wanting money and not getting it — that’s a good recipe for disaster..”

By Professor Kahneman, a Nobel laureate

To support, founder of the Rockport Institute, Nicholas Lore, explained that it all boils down on priorities.  Others opt to pursue careers because of potential financial gains while others find themselves choosing a path driven by their passion and want to make a difference.

Career-related Stress causes Health problems

Dealing with the constant work pressure is fast becoming the top source of stress in the U.S.  A study even claims that losing a job is equivalent to losing  1 to 1.5 years. There are a number of reasons why careers induce work-related stress. Common reasons include culture, management, job insecurity,  long work hours, environment, relationships with peers or boss, lack of support and trauma.

Ways to Combat Stress

As they say, we can’t fight change but we can deal with things we can control.  There is no point in choosing one over the other. There is a way you can manage stress while at work. Continue to bring your A-game to work while applying any of these methods to reduce stress:

Sound Therapy

As the name dictates, sound or music is utilized as a key component in treating physical, emotional and overall well-being. Sound waves are used to cure disorders. There are several kinds of sound therapy. Examples include Vibroacoustic (using sound vibrations), Guided meditation (listening to a voice instruction to meditate) and Neurologic (involves listening, creating, singing or moving to music). Benefits of undergoing sound therapy are lower cholesterol levels, reduced stress, better-managed pain, and fewer mood swings.

Here are the top 3 best sellers in Amazon:

Light Therapy

It is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy. The method involves being exposed to light that mimics natural outdoor light. Use of this therapy is said to have positive impacts on mood, sleep and some types of depression. During sessions, you will be asked to stay near a light box. The duration, intensity, and timing are important for it to be effective.

Here are a few items you can get from Amazon:

Manual Therapy

Perhaps the most well-known kind of therapy, it is described as any “hands-on” treatment provided by a physical therapist. It includes muscle stretching and kneading and manipulation of muscles. There are also specific soft tissue techniques that are meant to improve mobility, as well as the functionality of tissues, nerves, and muscles.

Here are a few items you can get from Amazon:

The Bottom Line

Choosing a career over health is not a reasonable nor practical thing to do. What point does it make if you get to earn big bucks but have your health deteriorate in the long run? Spending the money you earn to pay for hospital bills later on is not anyone’s ideal situation or retirement plan. At the same time, not having any fulfilling career to pursue would not make you any happier.

The key is finding the perfect balance between the two. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Look for a job that you find fulfilling and that you are deeply passionate about. It is only then you can truly appreciate where you are.  Maybe it won’t even feel like work at all! The more you enjoy what you do, the more successful you will be.

Don’t let money mislead you. Don’t let it be your sole aim. Find your purpose. Live the dream. Make life (and what you do overall) worth living.

How about you? What do you want to do with your life right now? Dont regret and live your life to the fullest.

Love reading this article? Share it on your social media by clicking the icons below.