December 05, 2023
From driving for a rideshare service to freelancing online, the rise of the gig economy has provided countless opportunities for people to earn income. Being able to create your own schedule and choose the jobs you want is a draw for many. But this flexibility often comes with uncertainties that can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Working an irregular schedule and living off an income that changes from week to week are common occurrences in the gig economy. And just like other jobs with income volatility, gig work is often associated with poor sleep, headaches, back pain, and digestive issues.
If you’re doing gig work, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to prioritize your health and wellness. Here are some tips that may help.
While your circumstances may limit your ability to choose what jobs you take on, try to find work you’ll enjoy doing whenever possible. Enjoyable tasks can take a lot of the stress out of gig work, providing you with a fulfilling work experience.
Prioritize a routine that allows you time to take care of your physical and mental health. Whether your schedule is precise or flexible doesn’t matter — just make sure it allows you to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise, and spend time doing things you enjoy. Prioritizing self-care is key to protecting your health and well-being.
Familiarize yourself with any potential health risks associated with your gig work so you can proactively avoid them. For example, both driving and jobs involving computer work involve sitting for long periods of time. Prolonged sitting raises your risk for cardiovascular issues, obesity, diabetes, back pain, and other serious health issues.
So, be mindful of your posture and taking frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk around. Investing in ergonomic tools can also go a long way in preventing injuries. These include lumbar support pillows for driving and ergonomic workspace setups for computer-based work, such as a specialty keyboard and mouse to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and an adjustable office chair to reduce strain on your spine.
You may not know how much money you’re going to make each week, but there are things you can do to minimize the stress that comes with the unpredictable nature of gig work. Creating a budget and having some money saved will help you prepare for times when you earn less income than expected. Having health insurance is also essential because it enables you to access low-cost routine health care and helps you be able to afford medical emergencies. Independence Blue Cross offers the widest selection of health plans in our region so you can find one that works for your personal health, budget, and preferences.
The gig economy is great if you’re looking for work that offers a lot of flexibility, but this type of work environment can be detrimental to your health if you don’t approach it proactively. The strategies listed above can help you find a healthy balance between meeting the demands of gig work and keeping up with your health and well-being.
