I recently read a study saying that people who work 10 or 11 hours a day are more likely to have heart problems than people who work only seven hours.
Uh-oh!
As many of you might imagine, I am so passionate about my work that I often put in long hours. A typical day for me might involve helping patients improve their brain health, working with the volunteers in our retired NFL players study, working on my latest book or public television special, filming free videos for our website, helping determine the best formulas possible for our nutritional supplements, speaking at an event, and… writing this blog.
Yes, it is a busy day, but I LOVE what I do so it never really feels like “work.” I am dedicated to spreading the word about brain health, and am energized and excited by the opportunity to play a role in helping people change their brains and change their lives.
Luckily, I do many things that take great care of my brain and body health. Eating a brain healthy diet, taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and dealing with stress in brain healthy ways has helped put me at low risk for cardiovascular events, according to my latest lab values.
But just because I read that study, I’m going to sign off now and take a quick break.
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Dr Amen,
Thank you for the information regarding the realities of putting in long hours even in work related tasks which are our passions. I am so happy to hear that you are setting such an example of self care for so many of us to adhere to. It is noted that you strive to do all which you can to change lives through your work. Thank you for choosing to take some time out of your extremely busy schedule to smell the roses a bit.You deserve it! You are incredibly valued and so appreciated!
Maybe it doesn’t count as “work” if you love what you do!
When you love your work is when it’s hardest to put it down. I’m glad you did – even tho your checkup says you are in good shape. Families and other parts of our lives still deserve our time, attention and love.
Thank you so much for sharing your work and your passion with us. We are all healthier and wiser for it. And I wish you a great evening off.
I “suffer” from the same tendencies, and even though I don’t love what I do as much as you do, I self-impose the need to be super prepared in the early hours of the morning when phones, and other communication devices, aren’t ringing off the hook and I can actually devote an hour or more of uninterrupted time to becoming as prepared as I can be. It would be a real shame to find out that I am doing serious damage to my body by doing so….
As usual, these studies aren’t too keen on the details, especially in the association-causation department.
For example, I know people whose untreated/unrecognized ADHD symptoms meant they were extremely inefficient at work. So they put in extra long hours and often feel constantly pressured and stressed.
This pedal-to-the-metal routine also didn’t allow time for exercise or thoughtful dietary habits, and it often co-existed with sleep challenges (also common with Adult ADHD).
I can’t imagine these people weren’t more vulnerable to heart attacks than those people who truly were engaged and proficient in enjoyable work.
Not telling Dr. Amen anything he doesn’t know, though. I’ve learned so much from his books and DVDs.
Gina Pera, author
Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?
Does anyone know where I can find information related to post-injury loss of memory?????
Thanks,
Mimi
Dr. Amen:
I am a fan of yours. I follow you in your OPB’s presentations, and I read your book “Change your Brain, Change your Life”.
Today I ordered your new book (fascinating!) and your DVD in your OPB Oregon presentation.
I am thinking of visiting one of your Clinics to have a scan of my brain to improve the quality of my life.
However, I recently had a pacemaker installed.
I know I cannot have an MRI with a pacemaker.
Will I be able to have a scan of my brain, though?
Your answer is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ema Paviolo
How can I communicate w/Dr. Amen via e-mail.
Sincerely,
Ema Paviolo
I believe that it’s important to be able to dis-connect from your work or your play, whether you are passionate about it or not.
A break from anything is essential to give the brain a chance to rest and rejuvenate. and resting may be just doing something different so that the blood will flow into different areas for awhile. I’m a believer in the old saying: “Everything in moderation”