Psychology of Health in the Workplace

Posted: September 3rd, 2013

Psychology of Health in the Workplace

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Psychology of Health in the Workplace

Health is described as the state of being well physically, socially and mentally. According to the early philosophers like Plato, they believed that mind and body were separate entities. Therefore, there was no relationship between the two. After many years, studies were carried out. It was discovered that the two entities are closely related. Psychology is about the human mind and its operations. If the body is unwell, it will affect the functions of the brain. An ill person cannot work efficiently (Gerrish, 2003). This is because the mind and body have to coordinate, and hence are dependent. Psychological problems will also affect the functions of the body. For example, a depressed person will suffer from ailments like headaches and other pains. Social well being is also important especially in psychological health. People who have problems socially will mostly be affected psychologically. For example, an overweight person who is always ridiculed and mocked may end up being depressed and stressed. Hence, conclusions were that a healthy person is well physically, mentally and socially (Lupton, 1996).

Most working people have embraced poor lifestyle choices, which affect their performance at the work place. They have poor diets, lack of exercising, unsafe conditions at the work place and inadequate rest. They work for so many hours and do not have time for leisure. Statistics show that thirty nine million workdays go wasted and sixty two million employees see the doctor in one year. Poor diet is one reason that has made these employees unhealthy. Some employees are busy and do not have much time to eat (Gerrish, 2003). This encourages them to eat light foods, which are mostly filled with calories. Most office jobs are characterized with sitting behind a desk. It makes them passive and they do not get a way of burning up the calories. Poor diets are not only eaten during working hours but also at home. People should embrace healthy diets to avoid affecting their output in their jobs. So many diseases are diet related diseases are amongst employees. If their bodies and minds are not in a good state then they cannot work (Lupton, 1996).

Statistics show that too much time is wasted because of health related problems. Employees need to adapt better lifestyles, which will ensure healthy living. Most of these diseases have been caused by poor feeding habits, passiveness, lack of enough rest and recreation, amongst others. Nutritionists advise that to avoid high cholesterol, diets should not be high on carbohydrates. Instead, there should be more vegetables, fruits and water. Each day should have time set aside for working out (Lupton, 1996). An individual can take a jog in the morning or evening, go to the gym or engage in any other exercises. Exercising burns down excess fats and calories in the body. After working all day, it is advisable to get enough rest. Workaholics risk their psychological problems like stress and depression. This is because they get neither enough rest nor time for leisure. Outdoor activities are preferable than indoor. Too much computer games and no exercise will result to obesity. Playing a sport is a good way of recreation as well as exercising (Gerrish, 2003).

Psychology and health are also related to safety. Observance of safety at the work place will ensure no physical injuries and peace of mind when working. Employees have a right of working in a safe environment. They should report any threats of danger and employers should act expeditiously. Safe environments will enable workers to give maximum output because they are comfortable. It is vital for workers to understand their rights in the work place especially those concerning safety (Lupton, 1996). Unsafe environments will cause discomfort and even increase labor turnover. Safety should not only be at the work place but also everywhere else. When driving, all passengers and the driver should fasten their seat belts. At the work place, all dangerous equipment should be kept safely, and everyone should be cautious. Sometimes people do not easily note hazards until an accident has occurred. They should learn from it and avoid it in the future. It is crucial for people to learn how to carry out first aid in case of any accidents. It may save many lives before medical assistance is accessed. Safety, body and mental health are pillars of a human being. They should be attended to in the best way possible (Gerrish, 2003).

Reference:

Gerrish, M. (2003). The mind-body makeover project: A 12-week plan for transforming your body and your life. Chicago: Contemporary Books.

Lupton, D. (1996). Food, the body, and the self. London: Sage Publications.