All Work and No Play is Bad for Jack’s Heart

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:21:34 +0000

We’ve all heard the expression, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” right? Well, a new study has found that not only does too much work make a person “dull,” it is also bad for the heart. In fact, the researchers found that people working 10 or 11 hours a day are more likely to suffer serious heart problems, including heart attacks, than those clocking our after only seven hours. Although the study did not prove that long hours necessarily cause coronary heart disease, the researchers felt that they had discovered “a clear link,” one that is likely due to stress. Stress, or course, is not conducive to good health because it interferes with a number of important body functions, including our metabolic processes.

Now, the finding, itself, was based on an 11-year study of 6,000 British civil servants who, on the whole, may not necessarily have “enjoyed” their work. As a chiropractor, I have seen the powerful effects that general happiness has on the health of my patients, including the vitality of their heart function. Though it would be a wonderful world if we could all do what we love and love what we do 24/7, it doesn’t generally happen for most people. But, there is no doubt that a “happy” heart is a healthy heart. The attitude we bring to our activities is an important key to our overall health and well-being. In addition, a balanced lifestyle that includes a good nutritious diet, enjoyable daily exercise and activity, and congenial social engagement can go a long way to keeping stress in check, whether we are “on the clock” or not.

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All Work and No Play is Bad for Jack’s Heart