The “holiday” you don’t want to celebrate
Do you find yourself starting work early and staying late? Checking emails on the weekends? Always putting work first?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might be a workaholic and it can be a risky lifestyle.
Working hard is admirable, but like any good habit, moderation is important. The extreme effort you put into your job could help get you a raise or a promotion faster, but it may come with a price.
In honor of National Workaholics Day on July 5, let’s look at the perils of workaholic behavior and consider solutions to help create a better work/life balance.
Overworking and mental health – Being a workaholic can negatively affect your brain.
Endless pressure from deadlines leads to irritability, depression, and anxiety. Insomnia is also common because your mind races to review the details of a current project or rehearse a presentation for the millionth time.
The toll on physical health – Extreme work habits can also damage your lungs and heart, especially if you have health conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease.
Even if you have a relatively clean bill of health, there’s a possibility it won’t stay that way for long. Increased breathing and heart rate associated with stress leaves you open to future complications like heart attack or stroke. Think about this … your overzealous focus on work right now can prevent you from working later. Being a workaholic may also weaken your immune system, leading to more sick days and less productivity,
How overwork affects your personal life – Even if you manage to avoid the mental and physical consequences of being a workaholic, there’s a good chance your relationships with friends and family will suffer. Constantly working or being preoccupied with work can lead to social isolation. Relationships and friendships suffer when the people around you feel neglected.
Breaking the Workaholic Cycle
If you identify as a workaholic or think you’re on the road to becoming one here are three simple ways to break the habit.
- Take a break.
Schedule a vacation or at try to reduce your workload. - Set time limits.
Designate certain hours of the day as work-free: such as lunches, dinners, and late evenings. This will give you breaks during the day and prevent interruptions outside of work hours. - Exercise as often as possible.
Getting 30 minutes of cardio per day is an effective way to relieve stressyou’re your work location is based in Louisville, consider joining The Y @ Work for cardio equipment, strength training, group fitness classes and the most helpful staff around – now only $2.50/week.
It’s important to remember no promotion, raise, or award is worth damaging your mental, physical, or social wellbeing. With the right mindset and dedication, you can find better work/life balance. Your mind, body, family, and friends will all thank you.
Additional ways to find help
If you are struggling with overwork or stress and need support, your EAP is available at no cost to all GE Appliances employees and their dependents. You can get help online, by phone or in person. Find out more about EAP services.