As you climb your way up the career ladder, you’ll likely put in more than 40 hours per week. While there’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, prioritizing career success over your emotional and physical well-being can lead to burnout. In addition to working with a counselor, here are a few tips to stay healthy while working long hours. 

How to Maintain Your Mental Health at Work 

1. Get Enough Sleep

If you don’t get enough sleep, you aren’t alone; an estimated one in three Americans fails to get the recommended seven-hour per night minimum. However, being well-rested is essential for maintaining focus throughout the day. Moreover, getting good sleep reduces stress, improves your memory, and can even make you smarter. 

2. Break a Sweat 

When you're putting in long hours, it's tempting to skip out on the gym. However, as any mental health counselor will tell you, exercise is proven to relieve stress and can help offset the strain of your job. Stress is also related to physical health issues like hypertension.

3. Take Breaks 

Incorporate regular breaks into your workday. While you might think this will backfire, research shows that brief diversions improve your ability to focus on a task for extended periods of time. 

4. Make Time for Fun 

Working 60-plus hours per week with no downtime isn’t sustainable. You will end up miserable if you don’t plan some fun. Whether it’s a dinner date with your significant other or an aerobics class with friends, make time for activities you enjoy. 

When you need a professional counselor in Juneau, AK, contact Colleen Torrence LPC Inc. Known for her approachable demeanor, this therapist creates a comfortable atmosphere where clients feel comfortable opening up. To accommodate those who work long hours, she offers expanded hours on weekends and evenings. Visit her website for a full list of her counseling services. For an appointment in the Southeast Alaska Region with this counselor, call (907) 789-9212.