If you consider workaholism as a prestige badge that shows your dedication and commitment to work then it is time you think it over once more.
What is a workaholic?
But here we would like to clarify that not every person who is hardworking and loves his or her job is a workaholic. Workaholics are people who feel an irresistible urge or something like a compulsion to work hard irrespective of if they want to do it or not. So, it is nothing like being hardworking or simply loving your job or even overworking, it is a pure addiction according to Psychologists. Psychologists are even of the view that most of the time the problem is not from the outside like demanding bosses or hectic schedules and deadlines. It is something deep-rooted in our brains and has to do with our own work ethics and motivations. Here are some ways you could overcome your work addiction.
Redefine the meaning of success in your head
The first step in treating work addiction is redefining the meaning of success in your mind. Most of the time, workaholics are perfectionists who just aim to be top in their game. Understand this, all the professional achievements are not more than your mental peace, family life, and spiritual health. Try to draw a line between personal and professional life. You just don’t have to be a perfect employee, a perfect parent,or even a perfect golfer on weekends! Stop having such superhuman expectations from yourself.
Try to refocus all your attention towards something else
The next very vital step would be to sit back and think about where do you want to spend your most energy and time. Try to refrain from thinking only at the professional front and think about making a conscious choice by spending your time with your friends, and family or even volunteering for some charitable work, learning a new hobby, the list is endless. And please put your phone away while you are doing so!
Try to practice mindfulness often
Leading psychologists believe that mindfulness is when you practice present-moment awareness and being non-judgemental enables your brain to make better decisions and hence you become mentally flexible. And if you are working hard to get rid of your work addiction, then this habit make come in handy to you. Try it for yourself and you would feel that taking those few breaths before doing something does help after all.
So, are you a workaholic?
