I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need…
All I want for Christmas is sleeeeep.
Like, lots of it. And probably like most of you, I’m just excited to put the tools down, and re-freaking-lax.
Physical labor is exhausting.
And while studies show that physical labor is healthier for the heart than mental labor, physical labor is draining. At the end of the day, you come home completely beat and you can’t even get off of the couch. We know this feeling all too well.
Really, physical and mental labor go hand-in-hand but one usually outways the other. For construction workers, physical exertion is overwhelmingly greater than mental exertion. And for the office employee, mental exertion is obviously a lot greater than physical exertion.
The Difference in Calories
Interesting to note that according to a study based on the average body weight of 145 lbs., construction workers burn an average of 175 calories per hour and office workers burn approximately 102.5 calories an hour. So based on an 8-hour work day, construction workers burn an average of 1400 calories a day and office workers burn an average of 820 calories a day. [1]
Which one is more draining?
This bring us to the age-old question of physical vs. mental labor. Studies upon studies have been conducted and there is really no clear cut answer. Both physical and mental labor leave employees spent and have risks and gains. The main point is to stay healthy, rested and to get lots of self-care to keep your body from absorbing the negative effects of extreme physical exertion.
How to prevent negative side effects of physical exertion, you ask? Here you go.
- Get 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
- Stay hydrated.
- Treat those pulled muscles when you get home from work by putting an ice pack or warm pack on it.
- Take breaks during your shift.
- Wear back support, wrist support and elbow support, wherever needed.
What are ways you keep yourself safe from the physical exertion at work? We’d love to hear! Sound off in the comments below.
Best wishes for a happy holiday from the Gorvex.com Team!
[1] https://www.fitnessblender.com/blog/calories-burned-by-occupation-how-many-calories-does-my-job-burn