It’s a fact of life that adults have to work to earn a living. How they choose to earn a living depends on their work approach. Some people thrive in an office environment in which they sit behind a computer daily and balance workload with office politics. Others are too active to sit still and prefer a more hands-on approach to work and like to have something physical to show for their efforts. If taking on physical work is preferred to a sedentary lifestyle, explore these five proven benefits of manual labor.
Craft Tangible and Practical Skills
Manual labor jobs teach people practical skills that can be applied outside of work. Having maintenance skills allows someone to take a DIY approach to household jobs and tasks that would normally need to be hired out. Crafting tangible and practical manual skills helps people achieve a sense of independence, and best of all, such skills can be passed on and create bonding moments with friends and family.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is important to leading a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, those people who work at a desk for 40 hours a week spend the majority of their time sitting and not engaged in physical activity. Manual labor causes people to exert themselves and reach a daily level of exercise. Productive movements like lifting, bending, and pushing helps build muscle, increase flexibility, and maintain a healthy weight.
Manual labor jobs have a very different dress code than office jobs. Workers need to wear durable clothing that they can move in comfortably. Zane Western Apparel & Work Gear specializes in western apparel and work apparel. With brands like Under Armour, Columbia, and Carhartt, Zane Western Apparel & Work Gear is a one-stop-shop for all things labor wear.
Stress Reduction and Sleep Aid
People who are active are less stressed than those who are not active. Physical activity causes the brain to release mood-enhancing endorphins and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Manual labor allows someone to fall into a rhythm or groove that allows them to think more about themselves and their lives than they could in an office.
In addition to lowering stress, manual labor also aids with sleep. Most people have trouble falling asleep because their bodies are not physically tired. Those who are physically active for more than four to six hours a day fall asleep faster and enjoy a better quality of sleep.
Improves Learning and Coordination
As more industries integrate technological approaches, hands-on opportunities are becoming fewer. Manual labor improves learning by giving people an interactive learning experience that they can adapt to their unique skills. Manual labor requires strong hand-eye coordination and the more it is practiced throughout the workweek, the better someone will become.
Working in the automotive industry requires a mix of manual labor and intellect. Earning automotive and diesel certifications from NYADI (New York Auto and Diesel Institute) means receiving the highest level of instruction using the most up-to-date training resources. Students learn the essential skills needed for careers as entry-level technicians and the knowledge required to pass ASE certification tests.
Sense of Pride in Work
Feeling a sense of pride in work is a great pay-off that most people want to experience. Those who work with their hands have the ability to look at something and say that they created it and have physical proof of their talent. Being able to value the skill and discipline necessary to perform manual labor enhances someone’s sense of self-reliance and confidence.
Manual labor teaches people the value of a hard day’s work and gives a sense of appreciation. Those who understand what it takes to labor away at a project can empathize with others who do the same. Having a sense of respect for how money is earned contributes to a positive outlook on life.
