Mental Health Tips for the Workaholic
We’ve all heard the old saying about “All work and no play.” Although there’s a lot to be said about the value of hard work, for some men and women, working is all they know. Being a workaholic as opposed to someone who has a good work ethic, is as different as night and day. A workaholic gives work priority over all other aspects of their life, which is not exactly conductive to healthy living! Deprogramming the tendency of allowing work to be all-consuming can be a long road. That said, there are some constructive mental tips for the workaholic who is trying to put their work-obsession into perspective.
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Work-obsession can be looked at as an addiction. Studies have shown that workaholics suffer from a variety of mental ailments such as anxiety and depression. In fact, like any addiction, workaholics display deep-rooted destructive behaviors despite knowing that they’re destructive. Many workaholics would like to stop, but find it difficult or impossible to do so.
There are some noticeable differences between working hard and being a workaholic. Among them:
- Workaholics are hardwired to constantly work and think of work no matter where they are or who they’re with. Hard workers on the other hand, understand that taking a break from the work-environment often lends itself to doing even better work in the future.
- Family and friends are important motivators to hard workers. Workaholics on the other hand feel that work is their number one priority and that family and friends detract and distract from getting work done.
- Workaholics get excitement from meeting impossible demands. Hard workers don’t.
Reinventing yourself to become a person who works hard instead of a person who literally lives to work demands the intervention of a mental health professional. Still, there are some basic self-care tips that can help you mentally and physically deal with the demands of long hours and multiple responsibilities in the office.
You Must Be Your Own Priority
You can’t work if you can’t function. So keep the following health tips at your forefront of your self-maintenance agenda.
Sleep is Good! Adequate sleep is an essential part of staying healthy. Whether that equates to six hours or eight hours of sack time is something your body will tell you. Sleep benefits your mind, weight and overall heath. Your body needs a good rest at night to generate the power to start a new day.
One-a-Day is the Only Way! Working long hours can wear you out which in turn can lower your body’s defenses to fight against colds and flu. Taking vitamins is a great nutrition insurance policy. Multivitamins can get you on the fast-track to feeling better and ensuring your body is getting the proper minerals it needs.
A Healthy Body leads to a Healthy Mind! Especially if you spend a lot of hours sitting at a desk, taking the time to exercise throughout the week is crucial to your overall health. Physical activity improves your circulation and pumps more oxygen to the brain. Sports and other physical activities improve your chances of living longer and healthier
Take a Break! Whether it’s a full-fledged vacation or just intervals during the work day, a break is essential because it allows you to recharge both mentally and physically.
Being a workaholic is not an enviable trait. But with help you can downshift your intensity to lead a life that is as productive outside the office as inside. The first step begins with you.
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