Three Signs of Workaholism

Monday is Labor Day, a time to honor our nation’s workers and their contribution to the success of our country. Work is a wonderful thing. People who love their careers are the happiest because they know they are fulfilling their life purpose. They are accomplishing what they came here to do. Without that service, our world would remain small, forcing everyone to fend for themselves without the advantages of individual and global growth. 

Some people have difficulty balancing work with relaxation. They have been driven for so long, they can’t stop. They’ve become addicted – they and their loved ones suffer negative consequences. But we don’t have to continue doing the same unhealthy behaviors. Labor Day is an opportunity to reflect on our work habits and identify areas that could provide better balance and mental health.

Below are some signs of work addiction and what can be done about it.

#1 – Complaints from Other People

Just like any addiction, work addiction affects other people as well. When someone is putting in 12 or more hours a day, and works on weekends, there’s little time to spend quality time with loved ones or even quiet time alone. Eventually, those loved ones learn to leave the work addict alone. They find substitutes in other relationships.

Families need quality time together to play, relax, and share meals. When one of the family is rarely in attendance, they are missed, and everyone feels that loss. When they are present, the family feels intact and complete. 

If you hear comments like, “You never have time for me (us),” or “I’d rather have you around than all the money you’re making,” or “You’re always working and stressed out,” you might want to look at your work habits. Chances are you’re in an addictive mindset and don’t realize that you’re not balancing work and leisure. Success is important, but it’s not limited to productivity. There may come a time when life goes on without you. You could miss the precious moments that no amount of work or money could buy, and those loved ones have learned to live without you.

Set limits on how much time you will put into work and make plans to spend quality time with people you care about. Additionally, map out a schedule that includes free time only for you to recharge and reboot.

#2 – Unable to Relax

Work addiction means staying busy as much as possible. Even relaxing events must include busy work and keeping the mind occupied. If you feel you need constant mental stimulation, you could take a deeper look at why. Work, like any addiction, can be a way of avoiding feelings. Instead of facing uncomfortable emotions, it’s easier to cover them up with constant distractions. 

Work addicts don’t realize they suffer mental fatigue and drain their energy that could better be put elsewhere. The inability to relax creates irritability and even burnout. Eventually, a person’s life becomes limited to work and sleep, with little in between. These individuals often find themselves all alone later in life with a great deal of financial security, but no one to enjoy it with.

Learn how to just be still. Sit outside and be with nature or in a comfortable chair and do nothing for just five minutes. Practice every day. Add five minutes every week until you can sit for thirty minutes a day doing nothing. This might feel like torture at first but take that as your cue that you’ve forgotten how to relax. Continue practicing your quiet time and then add on some other activities like journaling and meditation. There are plenty of ideas and resources available online. Practice doing these exercises for ninety days. By then you will see that you have more energy and are more emotionally present to yourself and your environment.

#3 – Other Negative Consequences

Aside from personal and family consequences, there are health consequences as well. Putting too much mental or physical strain on the mind and body leads to anxiety, depression, poor health, and accidental injuries. There’s a limit to how much mental and physical stress someone can take before they break down. 

Additionally, many people with work addiction manage these consequences with other addictions like excessive exercise, drugs, alcohol, food, and sex. Some of these can lead to injuries, legal consequences, and major relationship ruptures. Keeping a balance between work and play can ward off the necessity for a quick come down from pushing the limits too far. Instead of working excessively and then drinking, go get a massage, take a hot bath, or learn to meditate. Develop hobbies like walking with friends, gardening, cards, or anything that can provide a fun social event. These kinds of things might not be a quick fix, but they will provide solutions that will help you to feel better in the long term.

Labor Day is a good day to reflect on our work behaviors and how we might better balance them. Can we re-prioritize and set limits? Can we take the time to slow down and be in the moment? We all know our date of birth, but none of us have a death certificate. Every day can be one built on memories of work well done and restful time alone and with those we love.

It’s never too late to enjoy a happy life.

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT TO SAVE MILLIONS OF LIVES FROM ADDICTION.