Being a workaholic can take a real toll on your health, family and life in general. With tough times and competition for good jobs everywhere, we work hard to pay the bills and please our bosses. That hard work is noble but can hurt you in the long run by causing physical and mental problems if you overwork for a long period of time. Being a workaholic myself, I fully understand the repercussions. Here are warning signs that you may need to take a break and put the work on back burner as you give yourself some rest and relaxation.
Your mind starts blanking out at times
Thoughts may start blending together or there may be “holes” in your thinking. You may go on “auto-pilot,” and do things without thinking about them until later. That can be dangerous, especially if you're operating a car or hazardous machinery. Being sharp and having a clear mind is important for most jobs. By taking breaks and making sure to get adequate sleep, you can recharge your mind and feel better in general.
Sitting in a bad chair can ruin your back
If you spend all your waking hours sitting in a chair that doesn't support your spine correctly, you can end up with spinal deterioration and problems. I'm living proof of that. Day in and out, I sat in a lovely looking leather executive chair. It was more about looks than comfort, and looked great behind my desk. My back hurt a little here and there as I worked but I shrugged it off and kept working. One day, when trying to get up; there were powerful, shooting pains down my left leg and spine. It made me unable to move or even walk and was the strongest pain I'd ever felt. Weeks later, when I was able to walk enough to get to the doctor by taxi (driving was impossible with the problem), it was diagnosed as sciatica. I went home with a bunch of very strong painkillers and steroids.
Physical therapy only aggravated the nerves in my back so I had to lie flat, for nine very long weeks. Reading up on the condition, I found out that sitting in a bad chair can cause spinal compression, pinching the nerves and causing spine problems like mine. So, I bought all sorts of pillows to sit on and a better chair, which adequately supports my lower back and neck. The pains are gone now, but learn from my pain and make sure to remember that sitting too long can cause big troubles. I sit less now, to prevent further back problems later. The nerve center for your whole body is back there, and if the spine goes out of whack, you will feel pain that is severe beyond comprehension.
Personal Life Suffers
Working to make a better life for the family is a noble goal. But, when it takes you away from home too much, it may make your spouse and children miss you. Schedule quality time for family into your busy life, to keep everyone happy. This can be a touchy subject for some, but remember, life isn't as satisfying if you don't take time to stop and enjoy it with those you love. Everyone needs to bend a little, and create a happy medium. By doing this, marriages and bonds with children are strengthened. Work is important, but time with family is priceless. Enjoy those kids as they grow, soon enough they'll be independent and out on their own. Make sure to appreciate time you have with them while they're still home with you.
If, like me, you tend to overwork, try to at least stop and rest your mind here and there during the day. This will give you a mental time out and help you to focus more. Eating right, and otherwise being good to yourself is a must, too. Don't let your mental or physical health suffer. Go with the flow, and the work will be there for you when you return. It always is.
