“I worked 12 hours, then came home to eat dinner, play with my daughter, catch up with my mom or other tasks, went to sleep, and woke up to do it all over again,” Priyanka Chopra shared.
Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra recently completed filming her Hollywood project, The Bluff, and has been sharing behind-the-scenes insights, including the physical challenges and injuries she faced during production.
In an interview with Vogue India, Chopra discussed the demanding nature of her work, noting, “I’ve always enjoyed the physicality of it, but man, you definitely feel it as you get older, and the recovery isn’t quite as quick as when you’re in your twenties.”
She described her intense schedule: “My days were really intense, but at the same time, ironically, extremely routine. I’d been filming for The Bluff since May, working six days a week. If we weren’t shooting nights, I would wake up most days between 4:30 and 5 a.m. I worked 12 hours, came home, ate dinner, played with my daughter, caught up with my mom or other work, went to sleep, then woke up the next day and did it all over again.”
Working 12-hour days can significantly affect the body and mind, leading to long-term health concerns, according to experts. Consistent extended hours put tremendous strain on the body’s systems, and over time, they can have detrimental effects on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
How 12-Hour Workdays Impact the Body
According to Dr. Saras Prasad, Consultant Psychiatrist at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, one of the most immediate effects of long workdays is sleep deprivation. Extended hours reduce sleep time, which can impair cognitive function, slow reflexes, and weaken immunity. Without adequate rest, individuals may experience chronic fatigue and muscle weakness, making them more vulnerable to illnesses.
Additionally, the stress associated with long hours can elevate cortisol levels, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases. Over time, this mental fatigue can hinder decision-making, focus, and emotional stability. The lack of personal time also contributes to work-life imbalance, resulting in strained relationships and reduced overall life satisfaction.
Long-term consequences of overworking
If the 12-hour workdays continue indefinitely, you risk developing chronic health issues. Dr Rakesh Gupta, internal medicine expert at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals highlighted the risk of burnout, which is characterised by emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Overworking can also lead to chronic diseases like heart conditions, diabetes, and depression, he said. Furthermore, the disruption in circadian rhythms can result in sleep disorders and gastrointestinal issues.
Studies show that prolonged working hours increase the risk of occupational injuries and long-term health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked excessive work hours to heightened risks of cardiovascular diseases and workplace accidents.
