Overcoming Workaholism and Learning to Prioritize

5 minute read

written by Cápita Works

Sep 16, 2022

Are you constantly working? Are you unable to relax or take a break, even when you are not at work? If so, you may have a problem with workaholism.

Workaholism is a severe issue that can negatively affect your health, personal relationships, and career.

This article will discuss what workaholism is, its dangers, and how to overcome it. We will also provide tips for creating a healthy work-life balance and taking time for yourself.

What is Workaholism, And How Can You Identify It?  

Workaholism is an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by an addiction to work. It often comes with the inability to relax or take breaks, even when not at work. If you think you may be a workaholic, ask yourself the following questions: 

  1. Do you feel you’re always working?
  2. Do you feel guilty or anxious when you’re not working?
  3. Do you have trouble taking breaks or vacations?
  4. Do you work long hours? Over 40 hours per week?
  5. Do you find it difficult to delegate work to others?

You might be a workaholic if you answered yes to any of these questions. 

Workaholism affects your health, personal relationships, and career and can have serious negative consequences for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Health-wise, workaholism can lead to physical and mental health problems such as burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, heart disease, high blood pressure, and ulcers. Workaholism can also strain your relationships.  

It can also negatively affect your career, leading to job dissatisfaction, poor performance, and conflict with co-workers.

How To Overcome Workaholism And Learn To Prioritize Your Time And Energy

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming workaholism. However, the following points may be helpful.  

First, identify your triggers. What causes you to become a workaholic? Identifying your triggers can help you find other ways to cope with them. 

Second, set boundaries. Set limits on how much work you complete each day and stick to it. Don’t offer to work longer hours if it’s not extremely necessary. Also, schedule time for yourself every day to relax and recharge. Make time for hobbies and interests. Find things outside of work that you enjoy and make time for them. 

Talk to someone. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your workaholism. Like alcoholism or any other addiction, some groups focus on tackling and overcoming workaholism. Talk to your healthcare professional about services available in your area.  

There are several things you can do to create a healthy work-life balance. Here are some tips: 

1. Shorten your to-do list by listing three crucial tasks per day instead of a long list of non-essentials. This way, you’ll be able to handle each task properly.

2. Detach yourself from work, which is especially difficult if you work from home. If you can, create a dedicated workspace in the house. When it’s time to clock off for the day, shut everything down and prioritize quality time with your friends and family, self-care, or anything that does not involve work.  

3. Make time for friends and family, even just a quick call or text. They will appreciate your efforts, and you will also be happy.

4. Schedule some “me” time every day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Use this time to read, take a bath, or do something that makes you happy. The benefit of taking time for yourself is learning to relax.

  • Some other benefits include improved mental health, increased productivity, reduced stress, and stronger physical health.
  • When you take time for yourself, you can recharge and rejuvenate. When you return to work, it can lead to healthier mental health and increased productivity.
  • In addition, taking time for yourself can improve relationships with friends and family, as you can focus more on them instead of work.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by work, take a step back and assess your priorities. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself and those you love. Your health and happiness should always be a top priority. Work can wait.

If you feel overwhelmed with how much you take on at work, learn to delegate. You can get the help you need for a fraction of the cost with one of our nearshore virtual assistants to help you alleviate your workload. You can check out our guide to learn how a virtual assistant can help you in your industry.  

Workaholism can seriously negatively affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you feel overwhelmed by work, take a step back and assess your priorities. Seek help, if needed, from a healthcare professional, therapist, or support group.

Your job is essential to your life, but you can’t let it control your life. Taking care of your mental health and reducing stress improves your work performance. Finding the perfect work-life balance can be difficult, but it’s not impossible! If you want to know more about this, read our article.

For further information about our services, contact us at info@capitaworks.com.   

Newsletter

Subscribe to receive our content by e-mail and become a member of the Cápita Works community!


Interest: *
* indicates required

Copyright © 2024 Cápita Works All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

CapitaWorks - Whatsapp

Messenger Chat