Working Retail Sales. Good and Bad Stuff

Working retail sales can be an incredibly demanding job, both physically and mentally. From long hours on your feet to dealing with "out-there" customers, the retail industry can take a toll on your physical health and mental wellbeing. In this blog, I'll explore the challenges of working retail hours and offer some tips on how to cope with the job.

Real Physical Demands of Retail Sales

One of the biggest challenges of working in retail is the physical demands of the job. Retail workers often spend long hours on their feet, which can lead to foot, leg, and back pain. Many workers also have to lift heavy boxes or products, which can cause strains and injuries.  As you get older, like me, it becomes more and more imperative to take steps to keep your body in tact.

In addition, retail workers may have to work in uncomfortable conditions, such as hot or cold temperatures or poorly ventilated areas. All of these physical demands can be exhausting, leaving us workers feeling drained and "beaten up" at the end of the day.

Mental Demands of Retail Sales

Working in retail can also be mentally tough. Retail workers are often dealing with a variety of tasks, from stocking shelves to handling customer complaints. They may have to deal with difficult customers or navigate complex sales systems.

In addition, retail workers are often required to multitask, juggling several tasks at once. This can be overwhelming and stressful, especially during busy periods like holidays or sales events.  For instance, in auto sales, I have to think a few steps ahead of my customers, and two steps ahead of my boss, who can really make or break my deals dollar wise.  So it is a mental juggling act, which can get really hard.

Tips for Coping with Retail Sales Demands

Despite the challenges of working in retail sales, there are things you can do to cope with the ever-increasing demands of the job. Here are some tips to help you stay physically and mentally on top of your game:

1. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help reduce the physical strain of standing for long periods. It also gives you a chance to rest your MIND and recharge.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: Investing in comfortable, supportive shoes can help reduce foot and leg pain and if your clothes fit poorly it can be irritating and taxing.
3. Stretch: Taking a few minutes to stretch your muscles during breaks or before and after work can help reduce the risk of injury and alleviate soreness. It can also get rid of some lactic acid buildup, helping to reduce pain and stress.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep you alert and prevent dehydration, which can cause fatigue and headaches.  This will flush out your system and keep things from bothering you so much.
5. Practice stress-reducing techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.  I tried to get into yoga, but just bending over was enough. (haha)
6. Take care of yourself outside of work: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help you feel more energized and better equipped to handle the demands of the job.

Working in retail sales can be a rewarding job, but it can also be physically and mentally challenging. By taking care of yourself and practicing self-care techniques, you can stay healthy and happy on the job.  Also making sure that the place you work has outlets for promoting good mental and physical health can be very important.  

Hope this helps, you can also listen to me, Dean Benson on SKY7music.com/onlyclassicrock daily on the mid-day shift, I play great classic rock.  Please also see my tools tab, there are good things there, and my Medium.com articles!