HEALTHY LIVING

Here’s Why Every Worker Deserves A Break

Published

6 months ago

May 12, 2024

Work Leave: Man stressed from work | Fab.ng

Feeling burnt out and overwhelmed at work? Taking work leave or using your sick days might seem counterintuitive, but it’s crucial for your long-term success. When you’re constantly stressed and stretched thin, your mental and physical health suffers. Taking a break allows you to de-stress, recharge, and return to work feeling refreshed and energised.

This renewed sense of well-being translates into improved focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction, which are all essential for professional success.

Here are several reasons why every worker should take advantage of their work leave entitlements:

1. Restoration of mental health

Imagine pushing yourself through a marathon without ever stopping to rest or refuel. That’s what happens mentally when you constantly work long hours without breaks. The pressure builds, leading to stress and burnout.

Taking time off is like hitting the pause button. It allows you to de-stress by doing things you enjoy, reducing that built-up tension. When you return to work, you’ll feel refreshed and energised, with a clearer mind ready to tackle any challenge. It’s like rebooting your brain for better performance.

2. Regaining physical health

Our bodies weren’t designed to be chained to a desk all day. Staring at a screen and hunching over a keyboard for hours on end can wreak havoc on your physical health. Your back, neck, and shoulders become strained from holding the same position, while repetitive tasks can lead to muscle fatigue and injuries.

Leave is your chance to break free from this cycle. Use your time off to get your body moving! Whether it’s hitting the gym for a workout, going for a hike in nature, or simply taking a long walk outside, any form of physical activity helps counteract the toll work takes on your body. Think of it as preventive maintenance. By giving your body a chance to rest and recuperate, you’ll not only feel better physically now, but you’ll also be preventing future aches, pains, and even more serious health problems down the road. Taking leave isn’t just about feeling good today; it’s an investment in your long-term physical well-being.

3. Increased productivity

Forget the myth that working longer hours automatically means getting more done. In fact, the opposite can be true. Taking regular breaks, like vacations and other types of leave, can actually boost your productivity when you’re back at work. Here’s why:

Recharged focus and energy: Imagine staring at a computer screen all day, every day. It’s draining! Taking time off lets you recharge your mental batteries. When you return, you’ll have a sharper focus and more energy, allowing you to tackle tasks more efficiently.
Less stress, better decisions: Feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed can cloud your judgement. Taking a break helps you de-stress, which leads to clearer thinking and better decision-making. You’ll be able to approach problems with a fresh perspective and come up with creative solutions.
Increased motivation and morale: Feeling burned out can make even the simplest tasks feel like a chore. Taking leave allows you to disconnect from work and come back feeling refreshed and motivated. This renewed enthusiasm translates into a more positive attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile.

So, taking breaks isn’t a sign of laziness; it’s a smart strategy for boosting your productivity in the long run.

4. Enhanced creativity

Stepping away from the daily grind can actually spark your creativity! Here’s how:

New experiences, fresh ideas: Imagine yourself stuck in the same room all day. Not exactly inspiring, right? Taking time off exposes you to new things, whether it’s visiting a museum, trying a new hobby, or simply exploring a different part of town. These new experiences can spark fresh ideas and different perspectives that you can bring back to your job.
Break free from routine and solve problems creatively: Sometimes, being stuck in the same routine can make it hard to see things from a new angle. A break from work allows you to come back with a clear head and a fresh approach to problems. The innovative solutions you come up with when you’re not bogged down by the daily grind might surprise you.
Boost your imagination and fuel innovation: Feeling burned out can stifle your creativity. Taking leave gives your mind a chance to relax and recharge. This can lead to a boost in your imagination, making it easier to come up with creative solutions and innovative ideas that can benefit your work.

5. Improved job satisfaction

Happier employees mean a better work environment. People who take vacations and other forms of leave tend to be more satisfied with their jobs overall. Why?

Knowing your employer encourages you to take time off shows they care about your well-being. This can make you feel valued as an employee, which boosts morale.

Taking breaks helps you de-stress and recharge. When you come back to work feeling refreshed and happy, it creates a more positive work environment for everyone.

Feeling constantly burned out can make you want to leave your job. Taking leave helps prevent burnout, which can lead to lower employee turnover and a more stable team.

In short, encouraging employees to take leave creates a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment for everyone involved. It’s a win-win situation.

6. Quality time with loved ones

Feeling constantly pulled between work and personal life? Time off work is your secret weapon. The daily demands of a job can leave you feeling drained and stretched thin. This often translates into neglecting the important relationships in your life, which can take a toll on your overall well-being.

Taking time off, whether it’s a vacation, sick day, or personal day, allows you to hit the pause button on work and reconnect with the people who matter most. Imagine spending quality time with family and friends, free from the stress of work deadlines and overflowing inboxes.

These moments of connection help strengthen your personal bonds, creating a strong support system that can boost your happiness and resilience in all areas of life. After all, a fulfilling personal life isn’t just a perk; it’s a key ingredient for success and overall satisfaction.

So, don’t feel guilty about taking leave! Embrace it as an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and remind yourself of what truly matters.

7. Personal development

Level up your life, not just your work! Taking time off work isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a chance to invest in yourself. You can use your leave to explore personal growth activities like:

Learning a new skill: Always wanted to master photography or brush up on a foreign language? Leave gives you the dedicated time to finally take that online course or enrol in a local workshop.
Pursuing a hobby: Do you have a passion project you’ve been neglecting? Time off allows you to delve deeper into your hobbies, whether it’s writing, painting, playing music, or anything that brings you joy.
Travelling and exploring: Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to spark new ideas and gain a fresh perspective. Travelling exposes you to different cultures, broadens your horizons, and can even inspire creative solutions for work-related problems.

These activities not only contribute to your personal fulfilment and overall happiness, but they can also surprisingly benefit your professional life. The new skills you learn, the knowledge you gain, and the creative spark you ignite can all translate into valuable assets that can enhance your work performance.

When companies understand that taking time off is important and encourage their employees to use their vacation days, it creates a better work environment for everyone.

Employees who are well-rested and have time for personal matters are healthier, happier, and more productive. This means the company benefits too, because they have a stronger and more satisfied workforce.

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HEALTHY LIVING

5 Health Problems That Can Develop From Crying

Published

6 days ago

November 16, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Health Problems Caused By Crying | fab.ng

Crying acts as a natural way to release emotions and can help relieve stress in difficult moments. However, health problems can arise and they can be caused by crying too often or too intensely.

Health problems caused by crying can arise, especially when linked to extreme emotions like grief, anxiety, or prolonged sadness. For instance, frequent crying may result in headaches, swollen eyes, or even chest discomfort due to increased stress.

Moreover, health problems caused by crying can include shortness of breath or heart palpitations, especially if crying episodes are intense. Individuals who cry excessively might also experience exacerbation of mental health conditions like depression.

Understanding these health problems caused by crying is crucial, as it helps people take the necessary steps to manage their emotional health effectively.

1. Headaches and Migraines

One of the most common physical effects of crying is a headache. The act of crying can cause muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, leading to headaches or even migraines.

When you cry, your body releases a surge of stress hormones like cortisol, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to expand and trigger pain.

Frequent crying, especially if it’s intense, can worsen this pain, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted afterwards. For people already prone to migraines, crying can act as a trigger, making these episodes more frequent.

2. Puffy and Swollen Eyes

Crying often leads to swollen, red, and puffy eyes. This happens because tears contain salt, which can irritate the sensitive tissues around the eyes.

Additionally, the increased blood flow to the area during intense crying can cause fluid to accumulate, leading to puffiness.

If someone cries frequently, this can become more than just a temporary cosmetic issue—it can cause persistent irritation and swelling, particularly if they rub their eyes often during crying episodes.

3. Difficulty Breathing and Hyperventilation

During an intense crying spell, some people might experience shortness of breath or even hyperventilation. This occurs because crying affects your breathing pattern, causing rapid, shallow breaths.

When you hyperventilate, you expel too much carbon dioxide, which can lead to dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting. For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, crying episodes can exacerbate symptoms, making it harder to catch their breath.

4. Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations

Strong emotions, especially those tied to crying, can put a significant strain on your cardiovascular system. Crying intensely can lead to chest tightness and palpitations because it activates the body’s stress response.

The surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones can make your heart rate increase, which can feel like a racing heart or chest discomfort.

While occasional crying-induced chest pain may not be harmful, if it occurs frequently, it could indicate deeper emotional or cardiovascular issues that may require medical attention.

5. Exacerbation of Mental Health Conditions

While crying can sometimes be a healthy emotional release, crying excessively might indicate deeper mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.

Chronic crying can worsen feelings of hopelessness or sadness, creating a cycle that affects mental well-being. According to research, while some people may feel relief after crying, others may not, especially if they are already struggling with depression.

This emotional toll can manifest physically, causing fatigue, body aches, and a weakened immune system due to prolonged stress.

Coping Strategies for Managing Excessive Crying

If you find yourself crying frequently, there are ways to manage it. Mindful breathing techniques, physical exercise, and speaking to a mental health professional can help reduce the frequency of emotional outbursts.

It’s also essential to recognize that crying may be a sign of underlying health conditions, particularly if it begins to interfere with your daily life.

While crying is a normal and often healthy emotional release, understanding its physical and emotional effects can help you manage your well-being more effectively. If crying episodes become overwhelming, consider seeking support from healthcare professionals.

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HEALTHY LIVING

12 Daily Habits That Cause Mouth Odour Even After Brushing

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Habits That Cause Mouth Odour Even After Brushing | fab.ng

Bad breath can be frustrating, especially if it lingers even after brushing. Certain habits that cause mouth odour even after brushing are often overlooked but can significantly impact oral health.

For example, skipping flossing allows food particles and bacteria to build up between teeth, leading to unpleasant odours.

Additionally, dehydration causes a dry mouth, reducing saliva production, which typically helps wash away odour-causing bacteria.

Consuming strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions can also lead to mouth odour, even after brushing, as these scents linger and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Smoking or using tobacco is another major contributor, coating the mouth with lingering smells that brushing alone can’t remove.

Regularly addressing these habits that cause mouth odour even after brushing can improve breath freshness and overall oral health.

Proper hydration, a full oral hygiene routine, and avoiding certain foods can make all the difference.

Poor Oral Hygiene:

1. Neglecting Tongue Cleaning: The tongue harbours bacteria, which can cause significant bad breath. Using a tongue scraper daily can effectively remove these bacteria and freshen your breath.

2. Skipping Flossing: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. These trapped particles can lead to bacterial growth and bad breath.

3. Relying Solely on Mouthwash: While mouthwash can temporarily mask bad breath, it doesn’t address the underlying issue. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential for removing plaque and bacteria.

4. Dehydration: Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth fresh. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help maintain adequate saliva production.

Underlying Health Conditions:

5. Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to bad breath as saliva helps to wash away bacteria. Certain medications, medical conditions, and habits like mouth breathing can contribute to dry mouth.

6. Gum Disease: Gum disease, characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, can cause persistent bad breath. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are crucial for preventing gum disease.

7. Sinus Infections: Sinus infections can lead to postnasal drip, which can cause bad breath. Treatment of underlying sinus infections is essential for improving breath odour.

8. Gastrointestinal Issues: Certain digestive disorders, such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, can cause bad breath. Treating these underlying conditions can help alleviate bad breath.

Lifestyle Factors:

9. Diet: Consuming strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and spicy foods can contribute to temporary bad breath. Additionally, a diet high in sugar can feed bacteria, leading to increased bad breath.

10. Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco use can significantly worsen bad breath. These habits can irritate the mouth and throat, leading to dry mouth and increased bacterial growth.

11. Certain Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, contributing to bad breath. Consult with your doctor to discuss potential alternatives or strategies to manage dry mouth.

12. Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can lead to increased saliva production, which can sometimes cause bad breath. Practising relaxation techniques and stress management strategies can help alleviate this issue.

To maintain fresh breath, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and address any underlying health conditions. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial for identifying and treating potential causes of bad breath.

Here are some additional tips for maintaining fresh breath:

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can dehydrate the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
Limit sugary drinks: Sugary drinks can feed bacteria, leading to increased bad breath.
Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help to wash away food particles and bacteria.
Use a mouthwash with antibacterial properties: A mouthwash with antibacterial properties can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Consider using a dental rinse: A dental rinse can help remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

If you are concerned about bad breath, it is important to see your dentist or doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

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HEALTHY LIVING

Do Bras Really Keep Breasts From Sagging? Check This Out!

Published

4 weeks ago

October 26, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Do Bras Keep Breasts From Sagging? | fab.ng

One common insecurity many women face is having saggy breasts. This often leads to the question: Do bras keep breasts from sagging? Many turn to bras, especially tight or constricting ones, in hopes that they can prevent or reverse sagging. This has sparked widespread curiosity about whether bras can truly offer such support.

Over the years, different speculations have emerged about the effectiveness of bras in keeping breasts firm. People frequently ask, do bras keep breasts from sagging, and if so, to what extent? Some believe bras can prevent sagging, while others argue that they have little impact.

In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind these claims and provide a clear understanding of the role bras may or may not play in preventing saggy breasts.

Why do breasts sag?

Breast sagging, also known as breast ptosis, is influenced by a variety of factors. These include genetics, age, breast size, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and even the constant pull of gravity over time. Each of these elements plays a role in how the breasts change shape and firmness.

Breasts are composed of dense glandular tissue and Cooper’s ligaments, which are connective tissues that help attach the breasts to the chest wall. The firmness and shape of the breasts largely depend on the strength and elasticity of these ligaments.

As women age, the body undergoes natural changes, one of which involves glandular tissue gradually being replaced by fat. This shift, combined with the stretching of the suspensory ligaments, can lead to sagging over time.

This brings up the popular question again: Do bras keep breasts from sagging? Some believe that wearing a bra offers support that could counteract these changes, but the science is not definitive.

Since internal tissue changes are the primary cause of sagging, it’s essential to recognize the limits of what bras can achieve in maintaining long-term breast firmness. While bras offer external support, they cannot prevent the natural changes that occur within the breast tissue over time.

Understanding the natural anatomy and the external factors that contribute to sagging helps clarify whether or not bras can effectively prevent this condition. So, do bras keep breasts from sagging? We’ll explore this question further in light of what really happens inside the breast tissue.

Does wearing bras keep breasts from sagging?

Wearing a bra actively helps prevent long-term sagging, particularly for women with C-cup sizes and above. The additional support that bras provide can reduce strain on the breast tissues, which may help in maintaining a firmer appearance over time.

Going braless consistently, however, can eventually lead to sagging due to the stretching of Cooper’s ligaments. These ligaments, which hold up the breasts, can be influenced by regular bra usage, making bras an important factor in supporting breast tissue.

Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, who heads a research group on breast health, pointed out that bras may aid in maintaining the breast’s shape by lifting it, rather than causing it to sag. Her research suggests that ‘bras keep breasts from sagging’ is a valid statement, especially when considering the benefits of added support.

Much like how restrictive clothing such as corsets or certain types of shoes can alter the body’s anatomy, bras can influence the long-term appearance of the breasts by providing necessary support.

Additionally, evidence from populations where women have never worn bras shows that their breasts often sag and elongate. This observation suggests that insufficient support for the breast’s skin tissues can lead to stretching. Further, it reinforces the idea behind the ‘Do bras keep breasts from sagging’ question.

Other Benefits of Wearing Bras

For women who lead active lifestyles, such as walking, hiking, or working out, wearing a compression-fit sports bra plays a crucial role in maintaining good posture and preventing back strain. Without this essential support, the repetitive motion and impact can negatively affect the spine and muscles.

Wearing a bra also provides relief from physical discomfort for women with larger breasts, who often experience neck and back stiffness due to the added weight. A well-fitted, supportive bra can alleviate this strain. Also, it can offer better comfort throughout the day.

Additionally, supportive bras are important for maintaining breast health. However, bras must fit properly; overly tight bras can cause circulation issues and even lead to cardiovascular problems if worn regularly.

While bras provide many benefits, it’s important to remember that, over time, nature will take its course, and breasts will naturally sag regardless of their shape or size.

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