Working overtime is bad for your heart.

The European Heart Journal recently reported an 11-year study following 6000 men and women who worked in the British Civil service. During the study there were 369 heart attacks in the group.

Those who worked 3-4 hours of overtime each day had 60% more heart attacks. Even when scientists controlled 21 other risk factors for heart disease, those who worked overtime still had the same high risk of having a heart attack.

People who work overtime have less time to exercise and less time to relax or unwind. They are more likely to be under more stress and to suffer from anxiety. "Type A" personalities often feel driven to work long hours.

Jesus recommended timely rest instead of overwork. "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" (Mark 6:31) A relationship with Jesus can help create a restful confident lifestyle. Jesus invited people to, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Why not do whatever it takes to give up the overtime? Take time with your family and friends instead. And it is especially important to take time with Jesus.