Working long hours might seem essential for achieving success, but it could potentially endanger your health. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar, in his recent post on X dated July 15, highlights the potential health risks associated with excessive working hours. He draws attention to research findings indicating that the ideal weekly working time for maintaining good health is between 35 to 40 hours. In contrast, consistently clocking 55 hours or more per week is linked with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke and heart disease.
Dr. Kumar elaborates on the findings, explaining that individuals who work 55 hours or more have a 35% increased risk of stroke and a 17% heightened risk of ischaemic heart disease compared to those working within the 35–40 hour range. He also references estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which suggest that long working hours were a contributing factor to approximately 745,000 global deaths in 2016 due to stroke and heart disease.
Beyond cardiovascular concerns, Dr. Kumar notes that overworking can lead to a host of other health issues. These include poor sleep, fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased blood pressure, decreased productivity, and concentration. Additionally, excessive work hours leave less time for exercise, healthy eating, and family life, increasing the likelihood of workplace injuries and errors.
In addressing how to maintain a healthier work-life balance, Dr. Kumar emphasizes that the objective isn’t simply to reduce working hours but to optimize productivity and recovery. He advises aiming for 35-40 working hours per week when feasible and cautions against routinely working more than 55 hours. He also recommends incorporating regular movement breaks during the workday, ensuring 7–9 hours of sleep each night, exercising consistently, and dedicating at least one day a week to rest and personal activities.
Dr. Kumar underscores that success should be viewed as a marathon rather than a sprint, with health being a crucial investment for a long and productive career. By adopting these strategies, individuals can better safeguard their health while maintaining their professional effectiveness.
