Are you a workaholic? Are you a workaholic? Do you find it difficult to take a break, do you often work overtime and still take work home at the end of the week? You tell yourself that one day you will take a rest and a weekend off, but right now you don't have time for that, because you have to achieve all your goals first.
If so, you are in the grip of workaholism. You are a workaholic!
Workaholism is a state in which you are obsessed with work, which can be detrimental to your health and overall quality of life. Research shows that workaholics are more likely to experience burnout, anxiety and depression.
There are ways to overcome workaholism and achieve a healthier you work-life balance.
Signs you're a workaholic
1. Extended working hours
One of the sure signs that you're a workaholic is overtime - getting to work before everyone else and staying at work late into the night. You even work on weekends and holidays.
2. You are constantly thinking about work
Obsession with work: Workaholism is associated with constantly thinking about work. You can't relax even during vacation, because thoughts about work constantly burden you. Your conversations with family and friends mostly revolve around work, which is the only topic that interests you.
3. Neglect of personal life
Workaholics often neglect work-life balance. Your loved ones accuse you of being unavailable to them and of neglecting important relationships. You make excuses and avoid socializing with excuses.
You work at work. Photo: Bruno Cervera / Unsplash4. Feelings of guilt
Workaholism is often accompanied by feelings of guilt or anxiety when you are not actively employed. You feel guilty if you just relax, watch TV or sleep longer because you think you should be productive all the time.
5. Exhaustion
Overwork leads to physical and mental exhaustion. Workaholics are often stressed and tired. Work becomes burdensome and exhausting.
6. Delegation problems and compulsive behavior
You may have difficulty delegating tasks to others, as you believe that only you know how to do the job properly. Workaholism often involves compulsive behaviors such as constantly checking email, responding to messages immediately, and feeling anxious if you don't.
How to overcome workaholism and find a healthy balance?
1. Set reasonable working hours
Workaholism is basically running away from work - workaholics usually work more than ten hours a day, seven days a week. You may feel like your life is full and time is running out, but sticking to a reasonable working hours and working week framework (eight hours a day, five working days) is key to achieving balance. Within working hours, you have enough time to perform work tasks and be productive, which leaves you with enough time for activities in your private life.
2. Turn on the nearest
Connect with your family, partner, friends and other precious people in your life. Communicate with them and express your desire for a more balanced life. Share your interests, activities and plans with them. Participate in joint activities such as trips, hobbies, sports activities or simply spending quality time together. Their support, understanding and shared moments will help you find a balance between work and personal life.
You work at home. Photo: Ave Calvar/Unsplash3. Put energy into taking care of yourself
Incorporate relaxation activities into your daily routine—meditation, yoga, mindfulness exercises, and emotional relaxation—to better manage stress, anxiety, and guilt. If these kinds of activities are not close and pleasant to you, set a goal to do something for yourself every day - go for a walk, have a drink in your favorite cafe, prepare a delicious meal, read, listen to music, engage in a hobby. The point is to do something for yourself and for yourself—something that has nothing to do with work—to overcome workaholism and create a healthier balance in your life.
4. Plan a vacation
Plan your vacations in advance and take time off from work. This will allow you to fully relax, recharge your batteries and renew your motivation. Regardless of whether it is a long vacation or a short trip, it is important to switch off from work and devote yourself to activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Vacations allow you to rest, gain new experiences, and focus on other aspects of life outside of the work environment.
