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Although a work addiction isn’t a medically diagnosed addictive behaviour, many individuals across the globe are addicted to work.
They feel under pressure to meet tight deadlines. They feel the need to work more for the money. They struggle to form and maintain a healthy balance between work and general life.
With greater pressure now placed on our careers, the number of workaholics is rising. Although many individuals will comically brand themselves as ‘workaholics’, there are a number of people out there, suffering from mental health issues; linked to overworking.
Are you struggling to find the balance between work and life? Are you reaching burnout, a common sign of work addiction? If so, it’s time to understand the impacts of work addiction, along with tips to overcome this pressured feeling.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, looking for positive coping mechanisms, we highly recommend reaching out to professionals today; like our team here at Rehab Clinics Group.
What is work addiction?
Work addiction is similar to further addictive behaviours. Being addicted to work can turn into a psychological dependence. Here’s where individuals will work long hours and have a toxic relationship with work and the pressures placed on fulfilling their role.
Of course, a strong work ethic is something many wish for. However, there is a fine line between determination and overworking. Although there is limited research and diagnosis’s on work addiction, there is a high correlation between being addicted to work and mental health issues. Likewise, there are connections between alternative addictions and workplace pressures.
Being addicted to work can become dangerous. The pressure to continuously maintain a certain level of performance and achievements can become a habit.
Yet, this habit will cause burnout in the long-term if a healthy balance between work and personal life isn’t maintained. Both mental health and physical health can take a knock, reducing quality of life. The concern of further addictive behaviours is also present, known to worsen the situation.
- Do you struggle to turn down work?
- Do you spend long hours at work?
- Is work a priority over your personal life?
- Are you branded as a workaholic?
- Does your work week continue into the weekends?
- Do you feel pressured to meet deadlines or maintain performance?
- Do your family and friends worry about the pressure you place on yourself with work?
If you answer yes to any of the above, it’s time to break the cycle of work addiction by prioritising work-life balance. Overcome work addiction by truly considering your reality, while actively attempting to find a content place.
Overcome work addiction by achieving work-life balance
Work-life balance is a commonly thrown around phrase. Many individuals are striving for the perfect balance between work and life. Here at Rehab Clinics Group, we understand how difficult this can be to achieve. After all, we are all human.
Yet, it is important to make a conscious effort to overcome work addiction through reaching a healthy balance. Finding an optimal level where comfort in work is experienced will help to influence this balance.
Work-life balance looks like this… Where an individual is financially stable, happy with their accomplishments and can complete their work within normal working hours, while also having a high quality personal and social life. Here an individual will place equal value in both work and play.
Work-life balance will differ for everyone. Some individuals thrive off workplace pressure, embracing their responsibilities. Others will struggle more, where a work addiction may be present, causing unhealthy habits. Yet, the common denominator is that everyone will have a personal balance, where both work and personal life work in unison.
See our tips below for reaching work-life balance, helping reduce the potential of work addiction.
Our tips to overcome work addiction
If you’re hoping to achieve a healthier relationship between work and personal life, avoiding work addiction, here’s our useful tips to follow. Although we appreciate this is easier said than done, especially if you’re a business owner or within a high-powered position. However, it is vital to prioritise your mental health.
Find a comfortable position in work
This position will be different for everyone. Yet, finding a place where you’re truly happy with your salary, level of responsibilities and workload is important. By reaching this level of comfort, you’ll have the energy and motivation to reach comfort in your personal life. Avoid overworking yourself or aiming for that next promotion due to pressure. If you’re unable to find that level of comfort in your current role, maybe it’s time for a new job?
Open up to your family and friends
Always discuss your balance with your family and friends. They are front row witnesses of your balance, observing your mental health and happiness. Having open discussions about what’s important in your personal life will help you balance the scales with work.
Only complete your current responsibilities
Avoid work addiction by only committing to your current responsibilities. In short, only work your contracted hours which you get paid for. Avoid taking work home, working late into the evenings or weekends. We appreciate this may be easier said than done. However, it is vital to have some downtime and self-care.
Always consider your own mental health
Your own mental health is the most important aspect of the balance. It’s more important than a job or a social event. Always consider the way you feel before work. Work addiction can cause life-changing mental health issues. Avoid this by prioritizing your feelings and mind frame.
If you’re still struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and believe work addiction may be impacting your life, feel free to speak to our team here at Rehab Clinics Group.
We can help you find the balance through a psychologically driven treatment plan. Treatment options such as cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling sessions will be encouraged to help you overcome work addiction.
Get in touch today to achieve a healthy balance between work and your personal life.
