The Perils of Being a Workaholic and How to Relax
How do we define a workaholic?
Excessive and progressive involvement of the person in their work activity, without limit and abandoning activities previously carried out.
All of it is not explained by objective work needs but by the psychological need of that person. In this way, workers progressively lose emotional stability and become “workaholics” to achieve success and recognition.
A study by the University of Kansas (USA) considered all those who worked more than 50 hours a week to be workaholics. The term workaholic or workforce was coined in 1971 by the American psychologist Wayne Oates in a book in which he referred to his addiction to work, making an analogy with alcohol dependence. Although this addiction is not recognized within psychiatry or psychology as a mental disorder, specialists affirm that the phenomenon exists. Currently, the fear of losing one’s job and new technologies are aggravating factors of the problem.
It is one of the most accepted and socially justified behavioral addictions, and the patient tends to deny their problem, reasoning it under the fact that they are perfectionists.
However, many times, it tends to lead to burnout syndrome (syndrome of being burned out) and some forms of stress. Likewise, an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder can also be related to work addiction.
The fine line between perfectionism and addiction
Being a “workaholic” can have certain constructive aspects of motivation, professional satisfaction, and self-esteem. Therefore, there is a positive kind of “work addiction” as it can benefit the workaholic, the employer, and society. These are people who want to do things as well as possible because this is the only thing that meets their expectations.
On the other hand, there is a negative connotation if you are forced by your company to a dizzying pace of work, with very tight deadlines and an unstoppable flow of activity, with days of between 70 and 120 hours per week, forced to travel frequently or attend events outside of working hours. You are what we call an extreme employee, and the danger of damaging addiction is great. If under these conditions, work is a priority for you over social relationships or your health, then you have reason to worry.
Although it is observed in both sexes, it mainly affects men between 35 and 50 years of age, liberal professionals, and middle managers. Work addiction tends to hide affective problems with the family or partner. Work is the center of his life, leaving everything else, including family, leisure, and social life, in the background. It is common for them to take work home to finish it at night or on weekends, and they often show something like withdrawal symptoms during the holidays. They are charming at work but dissatisfied or irritable outside of it.
Knowing how to say “no.”
It will limit the number of tasks we agree to do while finishing one before starting another. But without feelings of guilt for not having finished something that had been started. Having invested a little time in something does not mean that you should invest more outside of your schedule. To do this, you should not put others’ needs above your own because this can lead to abusive treatment by the other.
Try to achieve maximum efficiency, minimum time.
It’s about being highly productive in a relatively short time. This calms work addiction and allows you to relax outside of the work environment. If you stop having the addiction, you will be able to continue working hard, productively, and with excellent quality.
Give deadlines that don’t put pressure on you.
When you’re finishing a job, be flexible with deadlines. People usually ask for everything for yesterday but do not set yourself a pressure that you do not know if you will fulfill. Do not do today, under pressure, a large amount of work, which causes you to be unable to do anything tomorrow.
Don’t be interrupted by interruptions.
You should try to respond positively to interruptions. If your work’s goal is to benefit people, then every time someone interrupts you, you can take the opportunity to fulfill that purpose right then and there.
Healthy habits
Start by developing a daily or weekly routine of activities other than work so that you learn to enjoy other things. You can try the gym, relaxation, reading, listening to or playing music, watching movies. It is beneficial to have an activity in which other people are involved, such as a walk, board games, a coffee with friends, call or visiting family or friends, or going out at night. You have to be careful not to overload yourself with activities to be as busy in your leisure time as in your work time.
Relaxation techniques to overcome stress and work
There are many fun ways to relax and eliminate the stress that we build up throughout our workweek. The ideal is to go to yoga or tai chi classes, which help us relax and improve our physical form.
However, relaxing can be as simple as setting aside 20 minutes a day for a walk on the beach or sitting on a park bench to read a book. Learn how you feel most relaxed and get in the habit as a part of your routine.
Embark on a vacation with Renata de Abreu
Professionally attributed as a spa consultant, body therapist, ex-triathlete, and Ayurveda coach, Renata de Abreu, continues to champion body healing, psychology and business. Renata founded a chain of spas in the United States and the world which continue to offer her signature therapy and are especially inspired by her experience and acumen of oriental therapies: Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Tuina, medicinal Ayurvedic techniques.
Renata also founded a unique retreat program for adults called, “The Bliss Retreat”. The retreat promotes well-being, health, relaxation, and allows people to develop clarity. The Bliss Retreat covers:
- A stay of 5 days and 4 nights at The Cliff Hotel, Jamaica;
- Luxurious rooms with sea views;
- A menu of organic and healthy food and juices, prepared by professionals (contains vegan and vegetarian options);
- Workshops guided by Renata de Abreu and guests;
- Yoga and Guided Meditation sessions held daily, and SPA treatments signed by Renata de Abreu;
- Free time to marvel at the natural beauty;
- High-speed Wi-Fi;
- A gift bag, full of products.
