Work schedule causes cycle of sickness
DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I have been sick all winter. I know part of it is because I have been going too hard, but I don't know how to stop. My job has me out and about many evenings during the week. That came to an abrupt stop during the pandemic, but it seems we are back in full swing. The only times that I have stayed home have been when I was too sick to go out. But I'm noticing that I will be OK for a week, ramp up to my normal speed and get sick a week later. This is not a good cycle. But if I want to keep my job, I don't know what I can do differently. Do you have any suggestions? — Chronically Sick DEAR CHRONICALLY
SICK: Immediately go to the doctor and get a full physical. Be sure to describe your lifestyle and habits. Do not leave out any details, so that your doctor will understand your habits and how you live. Ask your doctor for advice on how to become healthier and maintain that.
I suspect that you will be encouraged to sleep more, eat better, drink a lot of water and exercise. Review your day. How often do you include those essentials in your routine? Chances are, you get up at the crack of dawn for a work deadline. What do you do for health optimization? To get healthy, you must put your health first.
You already know that you will need to curb some of your activities. Maybe you can negotiate with your boss to go out two or three times a week rather than five or more. Or you may need to change your job to something that better reflects what your body is capable of doing now.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I'm betraying my hairstylist. I have been going to the same person for a few years now. A girlfriend of mine told me about a stylist she has been using, and I tried her out. She is amazing and has given me a fresh look that I like, but I feel guilty. I was loyal to this other woman for years. I think I want to continue going to this new stylist. Should I say something to my longtime stylist? — Saying Goodbye DEAR SAYING GOODBYE:
While you do not have to say anything, it would be kind of you to reach out to her to say something out of respect. You can call her or send her a note to thank her for taking care of you for so many years. Rather than completely closing the door, you can tell her that you decided to go in a different direction for now, and you wanted her to know. Add that you appreciate how she has been there for you for so long. Do not promise to come back nor criticize her for any shortcomings she may have. Just express your gratitude and that you are currently working with someone else.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.