It's a sad fact of life that many people only work for the money, without ever considering that job satisfaction plays an integral role to holistic self-improvement and fulfillment. The belief that it’s okay to stay in a sucky 9-to-5 as long as it pays the bills is not only daunting, but also unhealthy. In fact, according to The Huffington Post, people who hate their jobs are more likely to be out of shape than those who don’t.

This is why it’s very important to love what you do and to do what you love. Being positive and looking forward to the workweek can actually improve your health by:

1. Giving you less stress
Stress is one of the biggest factors that negatively affect quality of life. Although this is an inescapable reality in the workplace, hating your job can cause it to compound and later on rob you of the energy that you need for other things, such as exercise.

In reverse, doing something that you love can make you more alert and productive. Being satisfied with your career can also improve your energy levels, giving you the right amount of boost for that much-needed gym time.

2. Helping you avoid bad habits
Living in your own cubicle of negativity can cause you to do things that are dangerous for your health, such as smoking, over-eating and over-drinking. Although this may make you feel better at first, they can cause irreparable damage to your body in the long run. Work satisfaction lessens the chances of you engaging in these activities.

3. Keeping your heart healthy
According to a study featured in Fortune, disenchanted, burnt-out employees have a 40 percent to a whopping 79 percent increased risk of developing coronary heart disease caused by over-exertion, long working hours, and lack of emotional support. Moving to an industry that nourishes both your mind and soul can literally keep your heart beating.

4. Lowering your chances of developing anxiety issues
Being in a job that suffocates you can cause mental issues that can affect your life outside the office. Psychological stress can trigger conditions such as anxiety and depression that can be debilitating when left untreated. Being happy with what you do can keep you well-adjusted and positive.

5. Giving you enough time to rest
Sleep is an important factor in staying healthy, as it is during this time of rest that your body repairs itself and recuperates from the minor damages it has incurred within the day. Enjoying your job ups your efficiency, making you finish tasks faster and giving you more time for R&R.

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