Stop Being a Workaholic! 6 Tips to Help You Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle

By Dominica

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Last Updated: April 28, 2023

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Are you a workaholic? Ask yourself...

  • Are you constantly working non-stop, day in and day out?
  • Do you find it difficult to take a break or even disconnect from work during weekends?
  • Have you ever been labeled a workaholic by your boss, co-workers, or family? 

If so, you may be struggling with workaholism - a condition where one becomes obsessively addicted to work. Workaholism can be detrimental to your health, relationships, and overall quality of life. 

In fact, studies have shown that workaholics are more likely to experience burnout, anxiety, and depression.

However, the good news is that breaking free from workaholism is possible. In this article, we will explore some effective tips and strategies that you can implement to overcome workaholism and achieve a healthier work-life balance. 

 

 

7 Signs of Workaholism

In today's fast-paced and competitive work environment, it is not uncommon for individuals to put in long hours and be dedicated to their jobs. But workaholics tend to take this dedication to the extreme. 

Here are some signs of being a workaholic:

 

1. Working long hours.

A workaholic will work beyond the required working hours, often staying late or coming in early to get things done. They may work through breaks and even work on weekends and holidays.

 

2. Obsessive thinking about work.

A workaholic often has a hard time switching off from work mode. They may constantly think about what needs to be done and feel anxious if they are not working. Even when interacting with their family, work may be all that they talk about.

 

3. Neglecting personal life.

Workaholics may not have a good work-life balance. They may neglect family, friends, and other personal interests in the pursuit of their work. Even when others call them out on this, they tend to justify their work habits in some form or fashion.

 

4. Feeling guilty when not working.

Someone struggling with workaholism may feel guilty or anxious when they are not working.

They may also feel like they are not being productive when they are not working.

 

5. Physical and mental exhaustion.

Overworking can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. A workaholic may constantly feel tired and stressed.

 

6. Difficulty delegating tasks.

They may have difficulty delegating tasks to others. They may feel like they are the only ones who can get the job done right.

 

7. Compulsive behavior.

A workaholic may exhibit compulsive behavior, such as checking emails constantly, feeling the need to respond to messages immediately, or feeling anxious when they are not working.

 

 

6 Tips to Help You Get Control of Being a Workaholic & Find a Healthier Balance

Life tends to feel better when we learn the art of balancing work and other areas of your life. If you are reading this and have come to the conclusion that you are a workaholic, here are some steps you can take to balance your life. 

 

1. Set reasonable work hours.

Many workaholics tend to work more than ten hours per day, seven days per week.

Such a workload is neither reasonable nor healthy. To avoid becoming a workaholic, it's critical to set reasonable work hours, preferably eight hours a day, and five days a week.

It will provide you with sufficient time to complete work tasks and be productive, while still having time for non-work priorities.

 

2. Talk to your family and friends.

Workaholism can dramatically affect your family and can actually lead to relationships breaking up. Your loved ones want to spend time with you, but if you are constantly working, this is impossible. Talk to them about what they want to see happen. 

  • Does your partner want you home for dinner every night?
  • Do your children want you to go to their ball games on the weekends?
  • Do your friends miss you on the weekend brunch, or mid-week movie dates?

Most likely the answers to these questions are “yes”, so do your best to make it happen for your loved one’s sakes.

Come up with ways to spend more quality time together.

 

3. Prioritize self-care.

Incorporate relaxation and emotional release into your daily routine.

Consider meditation, yoga, or mindfulness exercises as they can help in managing anxiety and promote relaxation. If none of these things speak to you, just do something for yourself every day. It could be:

  • going for a walk to your favorite coffee shop or park
  • taking time to make a delicious lunch for yourself
  • reading a book
  • listening to music
  • gardening

The point is: carve some time out of your day for you. Not work. Just you.

 

4. Keep in touch.

Sometimes business trips are impossible to get out of, as this is a part of your job that you just can’t say no to.

If you need to go on a business trip, be sure to check in with your family or a friend at least once a day. Let them know what you are doing, what the weather is like, what your hotel room is like and ask them about their days as well. 

Developing and keeping social relations with others will help you avoid falling into loneliness, as this is another danger associated with too much work.

 

5. Plan a vacation.

Everyone needs some time off. Beyond the obvious enjoyment that we aim for when taking a vacation, regular breaks from work can help you avoid burnout.

Whether it is just a weekend at home doing nothing but relaxing or getting away for the weekend, you must make time off a priority as well.

  • Start saving for the dream vacation you've always wanted to go on.
  • Take your children to Disneyland as a surprise vacation.
  • Plan a special weekend at home to cook and watch movies.
  • Go camping. 

Again, whatever it is, the point is to take a break from work to focus on the other aspects of your life.

 

6. Learn to detach from work.

When work is complete, it's crucial to learn how to mentally switch off from it.

This helps in avoiding the temptation of continually working and helps to disconnect from work-related activities. Keep digital devices out of reach, allowing yourself to exist in the moment, while helping to sustain your emotions and freeing your mind from work-related thoughts.

 

 

Are You a Workaholic?

There's no doubt that workaholism can negatively affect people's mental and physical well-being.

Do you feel like you could be addicted to work?

If so, start thinking more about a balanced approach to work and life. Begin taking proactive measures to rid yourself of workaholic tendencies. 

By following the tips provided and taking enough time off for self-care, you can manage work-related stress and lead a more balanced life. Learning to separate personal values and work activities can lead to a greater quality of life.

Photo by Anna Shvets

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