We all have our bad days at work. I remember early in life, after a bad day or even a bad week, I went to my massage therapist and I would just hop up on the table and have my stresses massaged away. As I aged I noticed that is was not as simple anymore. I would go to the store after work and notice my shoulders were so tense from the stress. These days happen but we get over it and move on. Right?
Stress is a massive issue in regard to our health. A bad day can turn into many bad days or even weeks. A toxic situation at your job can have more of a negative impact on your health than you have ever imagined and even damage your personal relationships. As we age it is more difficult for our bodies to absorb that stress. As a result, my job was a real factor when it came to matters of my
There are changes you can make to support your body when you are dealing with this level of stress at your job. Stress alone can disrupt your mineral and hormone levels. It can disrupt your sleep. Stress at work can also cause us to make poor choices when we eat and how we entertain ourselves. These circumstances only exasperated the situation and it can become a downward spiral.
There are many reasons people start to have health issues from their job. Too many Americans are stuck in a toxic environment that they can only escape by leaving. It is a problem employers and employees need to take more seriously.
Table of Contents
What Are The Causes of Workplace Issues?
According to Stanford Researcher Jeffrey Pfeffer, there are 10 Workplace Stressors that can affect your health.
- lack of health insurance
- exposure to shift work
- long working hours
- job insecurity
- work-family conflict
- low job control
- high job demands
- low social support at work
- low organizational justice

Stressors That Affect Your Health
Long Hours
I worked for a 7 day a week bank and job cuts were a bi-annual event. Technically I worked Monday through Friday but had to be available on weekends and was often called by my staff to deal with issues. The last year I was there I had to cancel three vacations so I was not getting the downtime necessary to de-stress. I struggled to find time to go to the Doctor. I also found it difficult to connect with friends or family.
You Have A Toxic Employee
Getting stuck working more than 8 hours a day with either people you do not like or a job you do not like takes its toll. I personally loved some aspects of what I did, and I even loved most of my employees but one toxic employee or bad leadership can bring down the whole culture.
Job Insecurity
The bank I worked for was closing many of their suburban branches as they opened more banks in densely populated areas. It was literally in their business plan that they were a metropolitan bank and the goal was to phase out the branches in small towns like where I worked. Every year there were new branches just like mine on the chopping block in my rural region.
Too Much Pressure
Unreasonable goals, favoritism, circumstances out of your control, as well as office politics, can all add undue stress. Let’s not forget that terrible boss or co-worker who loves to gossip and makes uninformed or knee-jerk decisions that can affect the whole team.
You Are Constantly Sitting At A Desk
Not getting breaks or not being able to move or walk around is actually a real health risk. One time I was so busy I sat at my desk until 2 PM! Six hours before I could get a break!
Regaining Your Health Naturally
I was having heart palpitations and pain in my chest. After ruling out any heart issues, my doctor wanted me to take a prescription to help with the stress, but I tend to lean towards natural solutions. I politely declined.
You can make little changes that can make a big difference in how you feel and are not too overwhelming. Once you realize how terrible you felt before the changes it motivates you to find more ways to support your body naturally.
I have learned that every person is different in how they respond to making these healthy changes. I can only tell you what worked for me that may give you some insight into what is available or what may work for you.
Coming Up With A Plan
Mineral supplementation with whole foods, when available, was something I had never really heard of before. The premise was that if you start eating whole food sources that will help to replenish your minerals your body would be able to heal and rebalance. In addition, removing toxic items from your lifestyle would help to maintain that good health. Many toxic chemicals that are in everyday items can affect mineral balances.
It is important that you check with your doctor before making any changes to your medications or adding supplements.
Stop all plastic usage.
Buy a Yeti and stainless steel straws on Amazon. Plastic straws are being banned now in many areas. You can now buy glass containers with plastic lids. Consumers are demanding better solutions and getting it. Try to avoid it at all costs. The lids are fine because they really do not touch the food and do not use them in the microwave. They have been reported to leak chemicals that can affect your hormone levels.
Ditch the microwave.
The studies are out there. They just destroy the nutrients in your food. If you are feeling a little panicked from this advice….. you need to reacquaint yourself with your stove. It won’t bite you!
Buy a decent water filter.
It does not have to be expensive. This Culligan filter had better reviews over others for durability. It was super easy to install and got rid of many toxins. If you can afford a more expensive system then do it. Especially if you are suffering from illnesses.
Berkey makes a fantastic system and is hands down one of the best systems and most affordable when it comes to ridding your water of lead and fluoride. I have a lot of friends who have them and swear by it.
Drink plenty of water.
Put 1/2 of an organic lemon juice in your water every day. Also, adding 1/2 a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can help with inflammation. Water is the key to optimal health.
Shop the walls.
This means you avoid the center aisles of the grocery store and buy whole foods that are typically placed on the walls of the store. A “whole food” is an apple or broccoli, meat, chicken, or fish. Avoid all processed foods with artificial ingredients. Everyone looks at the nutritional panel and not the ingredients.
Read the ingredients.
If you can not pronounce it or know what it is, do not buy it. Unless it is a foreign-looking fruit or vegetable in the produce department that you have never heard of, try your best to avoid it. Be especially cautious about dressings and condiments. My weakness is salad dressing which is loaded with sugar, soy,
Buy organic when you can.
Especially when it comes to strawberries, tomatoes, onions,
Ditch the soda.
Soda in and of itself is not bad … it is the chemicals in the soda. I just about fell over when I found this stuff. Zevia has no artificial colors or ingredients and is sweetened with Stevia. And not bitter! If only it did not come in a can but at this point, I get a soda! My favorite is their Ginger Ale. Zevia can be found in most grocery stores now and on Amazon. If you do not like soda in a can you can get a Sodastream and make it yourself with fresh juices and natural sweeteners like Stevia.
Eat organ meats.
Iron overload is a huge problem from fortified and “enriched” foods and is believed to be a major cause of many diseases …. yet we are still anemic. Dr’s keep prescribing iron pills only making it worse. If you are like me and would rather die than eat liver order this liver supplement. It does smell a little funky but you are an adult and can get past that. If you can’t break open the powder and put it in a smoothie. You will not even know it is there.
Give blood.
The health benefits of giving blood are well documented and you will be helping others. If you have Lyme Disease or any reason you should not give blood you can ask your doctor to do a blood draw. Many people who have done this felt immediate relief from their symptoms. Doctors are just now acknowledging these issues. Taking isolated iron supplements is not ideal so you need to get it from food.
Buy a high quality salt.
Switch from table salt to Redmond’s Sea Salt. Try this experiment for me. If you have a headache take a 1/4 tsp of good quality sea salt and put it on or under your tongue and let it melt. 9 times out of 10 you are deficient or have an imbalance and this will cure a headache. I did this two or three times a day for 30 days when I first started experimenting with mineral supplements. I could not believe the difference in how I felt.
Add minerals into your routine.
I love taking ConcenTrace Trace Minerals on occasion. Make sure you read all of the reviews on Amazon about how this product has changed people’s lives. You may not get all of your mineral needs from your food. You will want to move slowly in this area. I took less than the recommended dose.
Do the Adrenal Cocktail.
I would start with this before the ConcenTrace. If your Potassium levels are too low then adding Magnesium can cause issues. Here is a link to the recipe and more information on why this is so important. Or you can buy Jigsaw Adrenal mix here.
I have never used the premade recipe, but people on the go love it. Making it yourself is far more economical but if you are overwhelmed just buy it. At least it is getting into your system. Its primary ingredient is Potassium but includes whole food Vitamin C and Salt that make it work better and get into your cells. These are known as co-factors.
Often times mineral supplements do not work as well and people do not feel the benefit or have adverse reactions. Pairing them with the correct co-factors will help your cells absorb them. Coconut water is another great way to get a potassium boost.
Low potassium signs are a hard, thumping heartbeat, thirst, insomnia, or muscle cramps which is often diagnosed as anxiety.
Get on a really good Probiotic and Prebiotic
There are a lot of terrible supplements out there and Probiotics are not exempt. Find a reputable one at a quality health food store or better yet eat fermented foods like Bubbies Sourkraut which come with them naturally.
Get a natural toothpaste without Fluoride
Pretty simple. I use Dr. Christopher’s Tooth Powder. Using powder is a little different but if you are not ready for a powder there are plenty of other ones to choose from that are now fluoride-free.
Healthy adult kidneys excrete 50 to 60% of the fluoride ingested each day. The remainder accumulates in the body, largely in calcifying tissues such as the bones and pineal gland.

Let’s go over some quick tips
Always check with your Doctor. Make sure any existing medications or conditions will not be a problem.
Start slow and low. Only start one new supplement at a time as everyone reacts differently. Start on a low dosage until you are sure how it will affect you. When it comes to minerals it is important to stop if you have adverse reactions. Personally, I only need a booster now and then.
Food Plays a Big Role
If you are eating a wide variety of whole foods then this should not be an issue. Balancing minerals is the key. If you have serious health issues then look into getting professional help and testing that can help pinpoint any deficiencies. There is testing out there that can determine exactly what you need.
Replace foods over elimination. No one wants to have to give up their favorite foods. Find alternative ways to create what you want in a healthier way. Otherwise, you will find yourself at Fresh Market drooling over the Ganache cake.
Remember the 80/20 rule. Maybe the Ganache cake is okay this week since you juiced for three weeks. Buy the low carb brownie mix over the regular brownie mix. Try to replace your favorites. Not eliminate them!
Eat a wide variety of foods. We eat wheat, corn, sugar and dairy on a daily basis over and over, day after day. Mix it up and try something new. A few years ago I learned how to cook beets. Did you know radishes taste similar to potatoes when cooked? Explore food!
Activities That Keep You Balanced
Join Facebook groups for support. There are great ones out there! I do not want to be anti-western medicine as it has its place. I have found they are using the same information from 10 -50 years ago as people continue to decline with old science. Now we find out fat is good for you! I am hearing cool stories of docs who are looking into these things for their patients. Nutrition is just not on the priority list in med school but it is getting better! YOU and only YOU are in control of your health.
Find Another Job. We are in a great economy right now. Now is the time to make the move. No job is worth it if you are experiencing relentless issues that are not going to change anytime soon. The first thing my husband and I agreed on was a career change. I really did not like retail banking anymore. We were in a financial position that I could take some time to see what I would like to do. Not everyone has that luxury but you can look for another company to work for.
Find Outside Activities. Traveling was my escape and one of the reasons I started this blog. Now I am lucky enough to travel for a living! Having dinner and keeping in touch with friends or take classes for a new hobby you want to take up can help you with dealing with stress!
As always check with your doctor before starting any protocol.
*Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement or nutraceutical. Especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individual results may vary.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product(s) on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement or nutraceutical. Especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individual results may vary. These are from my own experience and the experience of others and only our opinions.
78 responses to “How My Job Was Ruining My Health After 50”
Since October i have significantly changed my eating habits and it feels amazing! It was difficult at first but I am to the point now where I prefer to eat the healthy “wall foods” rather than chips.
Yes, I am the same way. After a couple of years of eating healthy, you will not really like the other stuff.
I think I have the BEST job in the world, an elementary school librarian but this year we got a new VP and she made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, even though I had turned the library around in a short 2 years. I love my co-workers but the one new co-worker made me not want to be there any more. My home life was falling apart and she made me feel like my work life too was a mess. I’m grateful I found a Mental Wellness company that provides a platform and all natural supplements to help the body deal with the daily stresses of life. I wish I could eat more organic foods but with a big family, it’s not very kind on the budget. Great post! I really feel bad for my friends that hate their jobs, life just isn’t meaningful if your job sucks.
Life is so much better when your career is fulfilling. I loved my job but the craziness needed to end.
It’s amazing how stress from work can really impact our health
Wow this is a really great compilation of advice and tips. Thank you!
Thanks Cindy!
Great article! In fact, I wrote one similar one year ago after I left my “bad boss” on April 30, 2019. I agree – it is too toxic and affects your health as well as many other things. They all take a long time to come back and doing some TLC definitely helps! No job is worth that stress! Unfortunately, there are still too many situations like that. I have seen this quote out there lots, “Never allow a place of employment/job to wear you out. A job will replace you in a heartbeat so be sure to never die for one.”
I love that quote and it is true! People invest so much into other people’s businesses. I have always struggled with that and owned my own businesses even when I worked for someone else.
I know how you feel. I was guilty of investing way too much. Glad to be out of the rat race and focusing on our business and future!!
Yes! Exactly!
OMG so true. I left my 9-5 in January to freelance fulltime. My stress is different, but more managable. Thanks for all the great stress relief ideas.
We will always have stress … it is the toxic stress we need to avoid.
Great article Tricia! I felt stuck in a couple of toxic work environments and I am so happy to be my own boss now. It did cause a lot of stress-related health issues and my anxiety was so intense then so I am so happy I decided 10 years ago to go out on my own. You always have a choice to change your work situation if you just take the time to explore other opportunities. It is not easy but doable!
It is a choice! People are afraid to reinvent themselves. They get too caught up in their work identity.
Great tips. Staying healthy is so important.
Thanks Shirley!
I can tell that my husband’s job is starting to take a toll on him. He works long hours and has to deal with a lot of stressful things. That’s why we are working hard to try and bring him home from his job. Hopefully after another year we will be able to do that and we can work from home together. In the meantime, we will have to implement some of the things you mentioned. I know eating healthier (shopping the outer aisles) would be a great place for us to start.
Start small and create good habits. It has taken me years to get to this point!
WOW! What a comprehensive list. No job is worth all this. Great article 🙂
Thanks Lina! I think people think it will pass. And most of the time it does!
Excellent info! Taking responsibility for our health is a life changer. I’ve been 100% plant based for four years now and I’ve never been healthier.
Awesome! That is a great option for a lot of people.
Oh my goodness, this is such a great article! You have thought of so many important things – thank you for writing this!
Thank you Hillari! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
OH boy don’t get me started on this topic – thanks for the validation on how stress makes me feel
Many do not always recognize it. We push down the feelings and try to stay strong.
A lot of great information for stress relief!
Thanks Cathy!
I can totally relate! If you’re not in love with your job, it can take a toll. Great reminders and tips!
Thanks Nissa
I can certainly relate to this one! I had to make a major mindset shift in order to stay at my job and not have it kill me from stress.
That is awesome! That is how I survived in the early years too.
These are great tips. Something as simple as what you are drinking your water out of can make a difference! Thanks for sharing these.
I struggle with using anything plastic anymore. When I think of all the things I microwaved in plastic, I shudder.
Thank you for your valuable information. I work at Walmart and just got back from medical leave. Oh, the stress on my body after four days! I will be 62 in August and hope to at least cut my hours or retire all together. Time to get healthy and focus on my writing.
Yes! We do not bounce back like when we were young. It is important to protect yourself.
It is important to be able to recognize what is causing the stress. This is a good list of things that could be causing it.
Thanks Charlene!
Thank you for your post. This is so true. I am a retired healthcare professional and by the time I decided to step back, I had to do some work to regain my health. Sitting too long, not drinking enough water, the stress (and sometimes that can be subtle), the food and probiotics….all critical. But having a plan and permission to step away because of your health is critical first step. So kudus for your information. I am back to health on all fronts. Thanks.
Amazing! It is so important to recognize even the subtle stressors.
I had to quit my job a couple months ago for this very thing! The job was such a great opportunity and an overall great place to work but for some reason it took such a toll on me that I just couldn’t keep doing it any longer. I had no other work lined up but I knew I couldn’t do it another day.
I am sorry that happened. Other opportunities are out there!
Lots of great things to consider in this article. Anything that helps reduce stress is worth the effort.
Yes, it is! Thanks, Lori!
This is so true! So much resonates with me! Thank you for the great tips!
Thanks Holly! I hope there are some tips you can use!
My parents have a bunch of different varieties of salt. They had us bring some red salt back from our honeymoon in Hawaii.
I love trying new salts!
My husband and I are going through this now with our jobs. That’s why we’re working so hard on our blogs to get out of the toxic environments. These are great suggestions!
I am sorry to hear that but glad you are looking to leave. I was fortunate to be prepared. You will get there soon!
Wow. Lots of tips here. I needed the reminder about not becoming overly dependent on the microwave!
I don’t even miss it. We decided not to replace ours when there was an issue.
Great advice! There is so much that can help those stressful situations from working hard.
Thanks Lisa!
Some of these are very real issues – hopefully changes can be made either to the current job or a new job to help improve overall health!
Exactly! Sometimes it is not worth it to wait it out.
Stress can play such havoc on our systems! Great tips.
Thanks Suzan!
I’m younger than 50, but I can definitely relate to some of these points.
Yes the older we get the harder it is to bounce back. Our immune systems weaken as we age naturally.
Wow, yes no job is worth any of this. In general, I do like my job, but it has its moments. My company did away with plastic straws and paper cups. They gave everyone a coffee mug to use. Filtered water is the premises, as is a gym. It is great they provide all this, but we are in charge of our own health and we need to make sure we safeguard it.
That is awesome that your company provides healthier options but I definitely agree that it is our responsibility to control what we do with our own bodies, not the companies. We have to stop expecting others to make our decisions for our health.
Wow, super comprehensive list! Stress is such a big factor in our health- much more so than many realize!
Yes, thanks Julia!
Now that we are almost 50 it sure gets us thinking about all kinds of things in our work and retirement. It’s hard to believe it’s already here. Great post!
Thanks Karie! I did not want to last leg of my life to be riddled with health issues!
Such great information. I too was in a very toxic work environment, which lead to so many health problems. I wish I had the knowledge that I do now.
At least you have it now. So many never learn and are forced to retire early or live in poor health.
Yes! Too bad it is this way for so many. Thanks for sharing what you know. A lot of people could greatly benefit from this.
I am still watching my former staff and co-workers go through it. I see the weight on their shoulders.
Good reminders!! I’ve slacked off a little during quarantine! 😜
I think we all have a little!
Looooooved!! So many amazing ideas!!!
Thanks, Claudia!
Great tips! I do a lot of these (health coaching background) but picked up some new info too, so thank you!
Great article, Ms. Tricia !
Thank you Gennel! Make sure you subscribe so you can get new ones!