17 of the Most Stressful Jobs in America That Are Worth It
Plus, 8 Tips for Reducing Stress
A lot of people choose to take on some of the most stressful jobs in America because they can be highly rewarding. Many high-stress jobs come with excellent pay, job growth opportunities, or benefits plans. And some of the most stressful jobs are also personally fulfilling. For the people who take on those positions, achieving fulfillment and satisfaction makes the stress that they experience more than worth it.
The average American working professional has multiple projects on the go at one time. Additionally, today's workers are interrupted and distracted repeatedly throughout the day. So it would seem that, for many workers, stressful jobs are becoming the norm. The reality is that, in the modern workforce, you would be hard-pressed to find a job that offers no stress. But it's also important to remember that stress is subjective. What is considered stressful to one person may not be stressful to another.
When trying to determine what is the most stressful job, it is important to consider all of the factors that are known to lead to stress in the first place. Long hours and difficult working conditions are two key aspects that are often considered. Having high exposure to hazards, working in the outdoor elements, having to perform physical tasks, and being required to spend a lot of time traveling can all lead to more workplace stress. Other considerations include the:
- Consequences of making mistakes
- Pressure to perform and meet tight deadlines
- Level of public scrutiny
- Duration and predictability of stress
So, with those factors in mind, active military personnel and senior corporate executives often top the list of workers who have the 10 most stressful jobs. And that probably doesn't surprise most people. But other careers that make the list of the hardest jobs in America might not be so obvious. We have covered 17 of the top stressful jobs below, along with the factors that make those jobs worth the challenges. And we have also included eight tips that can help you reduce your current stress level in the workplace.
(Unless otherwise noted, the median annual salaries shown below are based on May 2020 data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. And projected job openings are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the decade between 2020 and 2030.)
1. Police Officer
Police work is commonly ranked among the top 10 most stressful jobs, and it is easy to understand why. The work of a police officer is often high-conflict, unpredictable, physically and mentally demanding, and life-threatening at times. Police officers have a high level of responsibility for public safety, and they are often exposed to the dark side of humanity, which can be mentally taxing. And the shift work that is required can lead to an inconsistent schedule. Police officers usually have to work all hours of the day or night, and that includes weekends and holidays.
Even though it is one of the most stressful careers, it is also one of the most personally satisfying. Many police officers will tell you about the fulfillment that comes from knowing that you are helping and protecting people on a regular basis. A lot of officers will also tell you about the familial bond among the force. There is often a strong, family-like connection between coworkers. Additional benefits of being a police officer include:
- Variety: Every day is different, and it is rare to become bored on the job.
- Advancement opportunities: Many police officers have opportunities to move up through the ranks as they gain seniority and experience.
- Job security: There is a large demand for police officers, which often results in greater job security.
- Health benefits: Most officers enjoy good benefits ranging from health insurance to paid vacation.
- Early retirement: Many officers have the option to retire early after they have spent 20 to 25 years on the force. And you often have great retirement benefits, so you are able to enjoy a lower-stress life once you have retired.
Being a police officer definitely has its share of stressful moments. After all, serving and protecting the population is not an easy job. However, it is a worthwhile job. Taking on such an essential role can lead you to enjoy a number of rewards that make the stress more than worth it.
- Median annual salary: $65,540
- Total projected job openings: 48,600
2. Firefighter
Firefighter is another position that is often listed among the top 10 stressful jobs. In fact, both the stress and reward levels of firefighter jobs are very similar to those of police officers. As a firefighter, you are often working in extremely dangerous and potentially traumatic situations. Risking your own life to save others is mentally and physically demanding. You are often responding to perilous calls that can range from car accidents to structure fires to terrorist attacks.
Shift work, long hours, and sleep deprivation can also take its toll on you. Shifts are often a minimum of 24 hours. You may be required to sleep at the fire station, and, when on shift, you must be ready to wake up and attend a call within a moment's notice. You may also have to deal with technical problems with your gear, tools, or equipment. That can be stressful if issues arise in the middle of an emergency call.
That said, as a firefighter, you will hold a highly respected role in your community. You could experience a great deal of personal fulfillment from knowing that you are saving lives, and even livelihoods. For example, quickly putting out a small fire could save a business owner from having to start over. Firefighters also work in a team-centered environment where they stand together and support each other. And you could enjoy excellent benefits—ranging from health care coverage and paid vacation time to early retirement options and pension plans—as well as job security due to the large projected demand in the field.
- Median annual salary: $52,500
- Total projected job openings: 26,900
3. Commercial Airline Pilot
Commercial airline pilot is yet another occupation that commonly ranks among the top most stressful jobs. It is a high-pressure occupation with many demands, and one small mistake can lead to disaster. It is your responsibility to safely fly and land a plan filled with hundreds of passengers. Stressful situations can arise out of nowhere, such as unexpected storms or midflight mechanical problems, which means that you may have to make fast decisions with limited or incomplete information.
An airline pilot's schedule tends to be inconsistent. It can change on a moment's notice due to things like mechanical problems, weather conditions, and flight scheduling issues. You will travel a lot, and it is likely that you will spend many days away from home. You may become mentally and physically exhausted from regularly changing time zones. And yet, you always have to stay aware and alert, no matter how long and uneventful your flight may be.
Despite all of those stresses, becoming a pilot could mean that you are fulfilling a childhood dream. Many pilots knew that they wanted to be pilots from an early age. It is a respected and prestigious occupation that can offer excellent pay and benefits, including travel benefits for life. Many airlines allow their pilots to fly anywhere they want for free, and travel benefits often extend to their family and friends too. And, depending on the airline and whether you fly domestically or internationally, you may enjoy a great deal of time off in addition to your paid vacation time.
The amount of travel that is required can be seen as an advantage too, rather than a stressor. Your accommodations are paid for when you need to stay over in between flights. And it is possible that you could explore fascinating places like Paris and London while you are stopped over.
- Median annual salary: $130,440
- Total projected job openings: 14,700
4. Flight Attendant
As a flight attendant, it is your job to ensure that every passenger has a safe and comfortable-as-possible flight. You are always in the public eye and face pressure to remain on schedule. You are responsible for completing cart services on time, handling turbulence and other in-flight issues, and dealing with unhappy and disgruntled passengers.
You never know when you are going to have to deal with passenger issues like travel sickness or flight anxiety. And you are often responsible for taking the lead in emergency situations. If someone goes into labor or has a heart attack mid-flight, then you are likely going to be responsible for managing that person's care until the flight lands and medical personnel arrive.
Working as a flight attendant also means long hours and a lot of time spent away from home. You may have to spend several hours at the airport in between flights, and continually changing time zones can be hard on your body's internal clock. However, all that said, many flight attendants wouldn't trade their careers for anything else.
This is an adventurous career. Flight attendants leave behind their homes and families on a regular basis to experience different countries, cultures, and customs. You get to meet a lot of interesting people, and you can have lots of opportunities to travel. You can often fly for free during your time off, and your family and friends may be able to fly with you for free or a reduced rate. You might even get to explore exciting travel destinations on layovers between flights. And, although you may work long hours and spend several days at a time away from home, you typically get to enjoy extended time off in between your shifts.
In addition to those job perks, flight attendants are typically offered comprehensive benefits and retirement plans. And some airlines also offer tuition assistance to flight attendants who want to obtain training related to their current careers, or to advance their careers within their companies. The position certainly comes with its share of stresses, but there are also many reasons to love it.
- Median annual salary: $59,050
- Total projected job openings: 31,100
5. Powerline Installer
Working with powerlines is inherently dangerous since you are working with high-voltage technology. The work is physically demanding, there are fall hazards, and you will likely have to work in extreme or dangerous weather conditions at times. You will have a high level of responsibility for the safety of your crew members, the public, and yourself. That means it is imperative that you adhere to safety practices and regularly check and test your equipment in order to keep yourself and others safe at all times.
Powerline installers also have high pressure to meet deadlines. When a neighborhood or entire city is without power, restoring it is an extremely high priority. And that can mean you also have an erratic schedule. You can be called out for emergencies at any time and could spend long hours working to restore power after events like vehicle accidents and storms.
So you can see why some people would consider this one of the highest-stress jobs out there. But there are also many reasons why powerline installers love their jobs. They often enjoy good pay and benefits, such as medical coverage, paid vacation time, and retirement savings plans. The work is interesting, and some people enjoy the thrill or adrenaline rush that comes from carrying out potentially dangerous work. In addition to job satisfaction, security is another benefit. Powerline installers require specialized skills, and a large number of job openings are expected, which means that those who are skilled in the field are often readily employed.
Once you start working as a powerline installer, your company may pay for you to receive additional training. Or it may sponsor you to complete an apprenticeship in order to become a journeyman. So you could have opportunities to advance your career standing and your earning level. It is worth noting that there is not a specific educational path to take in order to become a powerline installer since most companies provide in-house training when you are hired. However, telecommunications or electronics training can be beneficial. It can help provide you with essential knowledge and abilities and also help you stand out from other job candidates who do not possess a post-secondary education.
- Median annual salary: $68,030
- Total projected job openings: 700
6. HVAC Mechanic
You might not expect to see the HVAC trade listed as one of the most stressful professions. But the work is physically demanding, and working in tight, dark, and dirty spaces can pose a variety of mental and physical challenges. Your working conditions can be quite hot or cold depending on the season and the type of equipment that you are installing or repairing. And events like heat waves or deep cold spells can result in a high call volume, which often means an inconsistent schedule, long hours, and pressure to meet deadlines and get jobs completed as quickly as possible.
HVAC mechanics can have emergency callouts that require them to work during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. And they may have to handle angry or upset customers, as well as demanding or unreasonable supervisors and bosses. But, those things aside, there are also many great reasons to work in this field.
Once they gain experience, a lot of HVAC mechanics start their own businesses. Doing so gives you greater control over the types of clients and calls that you take. And, although you may run into the occasional difficult customer, many of them will be very grateful for the work that you do. In fact, good HVAC mechanics often develop a loyal customer base.
It is also unlikely that you will become bored in the position because the field offers a lot of variety. You get to work with your hands, often work independently, and can enjoy the job satisfaction that comes from having the ability to diagnose and repair complex mechanical systems. After all, that is a skill that most people do not have. Along with offering good earning potential, it is a high-growth career field with great job opportunities across the country. HVAC training is widely available at trade and vocational schools.
- Median annual salary: $57,300*
- Total projected job openings: 42,500*
7. Auto Mechanic
Most automotive mechanics absolutely love their work, but that doesn't mean the job is free of stress. The working conditions can be uncomfortable since you are usually working underneath vehicles and handling small parts in hard-to-reach places. And you do all of that while getting greasy and dirty. Additionally, working with heavy parts and spending a lot of time bending over and leaning can make the work physically demanding.
You may have to deal with grouchy customers and will probably face high pressure to repair their vehicles quickly. You also have a high degree of responsibility to ensure that people's vehicles are repaired correctly. Depending on the type of shop that you work for, your schedule may consist of long hours, overtime, and weekend work. However, working as a mechanic often means being able to follow your passion.
Many people who become auto mechanics have loved vehicles from an early age. They find the work interesting, and it is fulfilling to have loyal customers who respect and trust you to make important repairs to their vehicles. Additionally, having the expertise that is needed to diagnose and repair problems with a variety of makes and models of vehicles can be highly satisfying. And, as an added bonus, you can work on your own vehicles and save yourself from expensive bills.
Auto mechanics enjoy good earning potential, and you may even find the opportunity to open a shop and become your own boss. It is also a high-growth career field, which means that you could have strong career stability and job security. And dealerships and larger employers often offer health insurance and retirement plans to their full-time mechanics. So it is easy to see why this career is worth taking on the potential stress.
- Median annual salary: $44,050
- Total projected job openings: 2,100
8. Commercial Diver
It is common to find commercial diving ranked among the top ten most stressful jobs. That's largely due to the fact that the work is potentially dangerous. Working underwater is physically demanding, and one small mistake can mean the difference between life and death. And, depending on the type of work that you are performing, you can expect to spend a lot of time away from home working long hours.
So, what makes people want to go into commercial diving? It's the fact that it is an adventurous and exciting career, and the work is fascinating. You get to explore parts of the world that most people will never see, and you perform important work that only a small handful of people are capable of completing. Commercial divers also typically earn good money and are often offered full benefits packages that cover everything from medical insurance to 401(k) plans. And with over 16-percent job growth expected within the industry (according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook), your job opportunities should be excellent.
- Median annual salary: $54,800
- Total projected job openings: 700
9. Nurse
The two most common nursing positions are licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN). Regardless of which level you work at, nursing is definitely one of the most stressful jobs out there. Nurses have a high degree of responsibility since the smallest of errors or oversights can have potentially disastrous or life-threatening consequences. The job can be both physically and mentally taxing, and you could face a number of emotional situations, including handling angry or emotional patients and family members.
The work can be unpredictable because you never know when you are going to be short-staffed, when you will receive an influx of new patients, or when an emergency will happen. The position is also demanding. Nurses often feel like they cannot complete everything that they would like to do in a day. You may even work long stretches without having a chance to use the bathroom or eat or drink. The demands that you face can come from many sources, including patients, coworkers, and superiors.
Being a nurse also means working long shifts. Depending on the facility, you could expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays. But most nurses will tell you that it's all worth it. Nursing is a trusted and respected profession, and the work is often rewarding and fulfilling, as well as interesting and diverse.
Most patients and their families will show you a lot of gratitude. And the work that you do can provide you with a greater appreciation for the small things in life. You could also enjoy the camaraderie among nurses and other health care professionals. They tend to stand together and support each other. In addition to the personal advantages, nurses also receive excellent pay and benefits. They can pursue many opportunities for professional growth, and some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for additional career training.
The massive job growth and high demand in the field can result in good job security. Nurses also have a lot of flexibility for full- or part-time work options, and shift work can mean getting to enjoy a number of days off in a row. Additionally, you will likely have more control over your schedule as you obtain seniority. And you can take advantage of the flexibility to live almost anywhere that you desire because good nursing jobs are available across the country and around the world.
- Median annual salary for LPNs: $48,820
- Total projected job openings for LPNs: 63,800
- Median annual salary for RNs: $75,330
- Total projected job openings for RNs: 276,800
10. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are the people who collect blood samples from patients. Although it may not seem like one of the overly stressful jobs, it certainly has its moments. Phlebotomists have a high degree of responsibility to ensure that infection control practices are followed in order to keep themselves and their patients safe. And, along with adhering to strict safety standards, you have to be able to gracefully handle high-pressure situations, such as drawing blood from a screaming and thrashing child or from someone who is terrified of needles.
Depending on your work settings, you could have irregular hours. For example, working in a hospital lab would likely mean that you would have to work evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. And, due to the fact that phlebotomy is a specialized skill, you might have little opportunity for advancement without getting additional post-secondary training. However, there are many healthcare career schools that offer programs to help you advance your professional standing.
Those same schools also offer short phlebotomy programs, which means that you can easily gain quick entry into the field. It could be a smart move since strong job growth is expected and there are a variety of employment settings to choose from. You could also find job satisfaction from taking on an important role in preventing, detecting, and treating diseases and conditions. And you can enjoy the interactions that result from providing direct patient care.
- Median annual salary: $36,320
- Total projected job openings: 28,800
11. Health Services Administrator
Health services administrators and managers provide the strategic direction for medical facilities and are in charge of all aspects of operations, which include everything from allocating budgets to handling crises and emergencies. With those duties comes a lot of responsibility and pressure to perform. Additional factors that add to the stress level of the position include:
- Having to stay aware of community health issues, as well as emerging trends and technologies in health care, to ensure that the facility is providing the best patient care possible
- Handling personnel issues, including conflicts and grievances, with all levels of staff and volunteers
- Traveling to attend conferences and training sessions
- Making sure that strict safety and care standards are in place and followed since administrators and managers can be held liable for staff negligence in certain cases
Due to the complex nature of the position, health care managers are required to meet high education and experience requirements. But, with those expectations, comes excellent pay potential. Additionally, great future job growth is forecasted, which can mean good job security. The position is often ranked as offering a high level of job satisfaction, largely due to having the ability to make a difference in your community. You could also have a lot of job options since there are a variety of medical settings to choose from. And it is considered a recession-proof position since health care managers are highly valued regardless of the state of the economy.
- Median annual salary: $104,280
- Total projected job openings: 139,600
12. Social Worker
Social work is a fulfilling career field. However, the things that make it fulfilling also make it emotionally demanding. When you are helping people who are experiencing hardship, you could be handling issues related to things like child abuse, sexual abuse, and poverty. You will need to acknowledge that some clients may face obstacles that are outside of your control, you will not be able to help everyone, and you have to be able to leave your work at the office. Being able to do those things is essential for reducing the stress associated with the position.
You may also experience frustration when you are not able to secure the resources or funding that you need in order to help your client. Or, as one example, your client may need assistance finding a job, but a mismatch between skills and jobs or a poor job market could make that challenging. Social workers have to continually deal with events that are outside of their control. Additionally, depending on your employment setting, there could be a risk of danger if you are working with violent individuals.
But most people are aware of all of those stressors and choose to pursue social work careers anyway. One of the biggest reasons why is that they get to help people and have the opportunity to make a real difference in their lives. And, along with decent earning opportunities and excellent job growth projections, there are a variety of settings where you can work. They include schools, government agencies, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.
- Median annual salary: $51,760
- Total projected job openings: 89,200
13. Educators
Most people who work in education are very passionate about what they do. They are not doing it to get rich or gain recognition. They often deal with limited resources and funding as well as large classroom sizes. They may also have to deal with difficult parents and students, including students who face challenges that are outside of the educators' control, like poverty or a bad home life. And that holds true whether you work as an early childhood educator or elementary or high school teacher.
Pay levels in the field of education are often considered low, especially at the entry level. And you are often required to work outside of regular school hours because that is when you will complete your lesson plans and marking, in addition to assisting your students who require help. Many teachers also dislike standardized tests and feel that they interfere with the students' individual learning requirements. But those procedures must be adhered to regardless of how you feel about them.
One of the biggest benefits of being an educator is getting to work with children. (If this is a con for you, then an education career is probably not the best choice!) You get to feed kids' growing minds, help them reach important milestones, help shape the next generation, and create future leaders. That, in and of itself, is highly rewarding.
You also get to be home with your own family during the weekends and holidays. And you may get to enjoy summers off. There are also excellent future job opportunities expected, and most teachers are able to take advantage of benefits like health insurance, pension plans, and paid sick leave and vacation time.
- Median annual salary for early childhood educators: $25,460
- Total projected job openings for early childhood educators: 84,200
- Median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers: $60,660
- Total projected job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers: 111,500
- Median annual salary for middle school teachers: $60,810
- Total projected job openings for middle school teachers: 44,800
- Median annual salary for secondary school teachers: $62,870
- Total projected job openings for secondary school teachers: 78,200
14. Event Planner
Event planners work in fast-paced environments that can require long days and irregular hours. And, despite what a lot of people think, it is not necessarily an overly creative career. Most of your clients will have very specific requirements and details for everything from floral arrangements to china patterns. It is your job to bring their visions to life, and you can be creative in the ways that you give your clients what they desire within their budgets. Additionally, when things go wrong (and they will), you must be able to act quickly and handle the situations gracefully.
On the plus side, event planning is a dynamic career since every client and event is different. And it really is a good career choice for self-proclaimed perfectionists and Type A personalities. You may get to oversee prestigious events, work at impressive venues, meet well-known and famous people, and even travel. Your work can result in recognition and respect, and you can enjoy the feeling of pride and satisfaction that comes from exceeding your clients' needs and wishes.
Event planners don't typically require a high level of education, so you can likely prepare to enter the field quickly. And, once you do, you can take advantage of a flexible schedule. Working evenings and weekends can mean that you are able to have your Monday free to handle personal matters or attend your kid's school event. And don't forget the leftovers. Whether it's food, flowers, or opened wine, event planners often get to take it home with them.
- Median annual salary: $51,560
- Total projected job openings: 22,100
15. Public Relations Specialist
The field of public relations (PR) is as exciting as it is competitive, and that competition can make for political and dramatic situations within departments and among other PR professionals. The field is also constantly evolving. There are lots of changes and surprises, so you need to be the type of person who thrives in that kind of environment and can handle multiple projects and tasks at one time. There can also be high turnover, especially in larger cities or with larger companies, which can make it hard to be constantly working with new staff.
PR professionals handle all public communications for organizations. That means when any kind of disaster, negative situation, or bad press happens, you are the go-to person who has to handle it. And that can mean working long and irregular hours at times. You also have to be able to handle rejection from all kinds of people, including your boss, clients, coworkers, and editors. Being front and center in the public eye means being under constant scrutiny.
That said, public relations is a great occupation if you enjoy working publicly and want to be known as the face of a specific company or PR agency. You could get to work with some of the smartest and most successful people in your industry and might even get access to high-profile events. You are unlikely to get bored since the occupation comes with a wide variety of day-to-day responsibilities. And, with the right skill set, it is not an overly difficult field to get into. Additionally, good PR specialists often enjoy a lot of advancement opportunities throughout their careers.
- Median annual salary: $62,810
- Total projected job openings: 31,200
16. Broadcast News Analyst
Due to changes in technology and online media, the broadcasting field has become highly competitive and can be hard to get into. But, once you enter the sector and make a name for yourself, you could have a long and successful career. Other common stressors for broadcasters are the long and irregular hours. For example, people who work on morning news shows tend to arrive at the studio around three or four in the morning.
Many people who pursue broadcasting careers do so because it is interesting work. You could have opportunities to interview celebrities, politicians, and famous people. The one thing that you can be sure of is that no two days are ever the same. You may also get to attend distinguished events or travel to exciting or exotic locations in order to cover news stories. And, along with great earning possibilities, good broadcasters often enjoy many advancement opportunities throughout their careers.
- Median annual salary: $49,300
- Total projected job openings: 2,800
17. Actor
You are probably wondering how acting can make the list of stressful jobs. After all, it sounds so prestigious and luxurious, and it is the path to becoming rich and famous, right? Well, that is not the reality for a lot of actors, especially those who are just starting out. Acting is a very competitive field. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and dedication to get yourself known and secure your next gig. You could go weeks, even months, in between acting jobs. For that reason, most actors need a side job in order to supplement their incomes. Even if that means working at your local Starbucks.
You need to have thick skin and be able to handle rejection, criticism, and scrutiny. When you do land a job, you can expect to work long hours, and you may also have to work many days in a row without having a day off. And if you do find fame in the profession, then you often lose most, if not all, of your personal privacy.
All of that aside though, acting is fun, and most actors have been passionate about it since they were young. It may be your childhood dream. As an actor, you get to meet a lot of fascinating people, and having time in between jobs means that you are able to pursue other personal interests, causes, and hobbies. And if you are a good actor and catch a break, then you could enjoy excellent earnings and opportunities.
- Median hourly wage: $21.88
- Total projected job openings: 16,700
8 Tips for Reducing Stress
Although there are a lot of options for low-stress jobs, a stress-free career is unheard of and probably doesn't exist. Even if you don't have one of the most stressful jobs in America, things like tight deadlines, unclear expectations, organizational change, and difficult bosses, clients, and coworkers can make you experience stress. Most jobs have stressors that are outside of your control. But it is important to remember that there are always things that you can control. Here are eight things that you can do to make it a little easier to overcome the stress that you experience at work:
1. Think positive. Negative thinking and behaviors can dramatically increase your stress levels. Try to put a positive spin on the most difficult situations, let go of the notion of perfectionism, take everything with a bit of humor, and don't fret about the things that are outside of your control.
2. Take control of what you can. There are certainly aspects of your job that you can control, so take charge, get organized, and prioritize your most important work. Having a solid plan and a good schedule can result in much lower stress levels.
3. Learn how to say no. You need to accept that you can't do it all. There are going to be times when you need to be comfortable with gracefully saying no. Are you able to politely reject having another project added to your workload? Can you turn down that request to join a new committee? Or do you really need to attend that meeting?
4. Maintain your social relationships and build positive connections with your coworkers. Talking to and sharing with people who understand where you're coming from and who likely share the same stresses as you can be helpful and relieving. And make sure you have positive social relationships with family and friends outside of the office too.
5. Engage in regular exercise. You don't need to have a gym membership. Simply get out for a vigorous walk that raises your heart rate and makes you break a sweat. Exercise is a proven stress reliever, and you might be surprised by how good it makes you feel.
6. Eat a balanced diet. What you feed your body matters, and the food that you eat can have a big impact on your stress levels. Too much sugar, refined carbs, caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, and other processed food additives can negatively affect your mood.
7. Get enough good-quality sleep. It is recommended that the average adult obtain seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Maintaining a sleep schedule in which you go to bed and wake up at the same time can be helpful. There are a variety of herbs, meditation and relaxation techniques, and breathing strategies that can make falling and staying asleep easier. It is also recommended that you avoid stimulating activities and screen time at least one hour before bed.
8. Make time to pursue the things that you love. Your life can't be all work. The sooner that you can figure out how to have work-life balance, the better. You need to take time every week (if not every day) to pursue your hobbies and interests, even if it's only for 30 minutes.
Go After a Rewarding Career
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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated with 2023 data.
