Are you looking for information on how to deal with workaholism? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we will go over everything you need to know about workaholism, including what it is, its impacts, the common signs of workaholism, and some tips on breaking the cycle.

 

What is Workaholism?

Workaholism is a behavioural addiction characterised by excessive and compulsive work behaviour. Workaholics often feel compelled to work long hours, even when it is unnecessary. Individuals may also neglect other important areas of their lives, such as their relationships, hobbies, and health. Work addiction can progress like substance addiction, leading the individual to become completely immersed in their work to the point where it feels impossible to stop engaging in the unhealthy obsession.

The key difference between workaholism and a strong work ethic or passion for a career is that workaholics feel compelled to work. They may also experience negative consequences as a result of their workaholic tendencies, such as relationship problems, health problems, and burnout.

 

The Common Signs of Workaholism

Common symptoms or behaviours associated with workaholism include the following:

  • Working long hours, even when it is not necessary.
  • Neglecting other important areas of life, such as relationships, hobbies, and health.
  • Feeling compelled to work, even when you are sick or on holiday.
  • Feeling as though you’re a failure for no reason.
  • Becoming overly paranoid and obsessive over your performance at work.
  • Experiencing negative consequences as a result of your workaholic tendencies, such as relationship problems, health problems, and burnout.

 

The Potential Impacts of Workaholism

There are various ways in which a work addiction can impact someone’s health and relationships.

Physical Repercussions of Chronic Overworking

Chronic overworking can have a number of negative physical consequences, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Stomach problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Insomnia
  • Obesity
  • Weakened immune system

Mental Repercussions of Chronic Overworking

Chronic overworking can also lead to a number of mental health problems, including:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Burnout
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Increased risk of substance abuse

Social Repercussions of Chronic Overworking

Chronic overworking can also have negative social consequences, including:

  • Strained relationships with family and friends
  • Lack of time for hobbies and social activities
  • Isolation
  • Social anxiety

Workaholism and Burnout

Burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive or prolonged stress. Feelings of fatigue, hopelessness, cynicism, and detachment often characterize it. Burnout can have a negative impact on all aspects of a person’s life, including their work, relationships, and physical health.

Chronic stress can result in a number of stress-related illnesses. These can include things such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. Stress can also cause the immune system to weaken, making people more susceptible to infections.

Strained Personal Relationships

Chronic overworking can put a strain on personal relationships. When people are constantly working, they have less time to spend with their loved ones. This can lead to possible feelings of resentment and neglect. Additionally, the stress and anxiety associated with overworking can make it much more difficult to maintain healthy relationships.

 

Tips on How to Deal With Workaholism

A balance between work and personal life is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Working too much makes us more likely to experience stress, burnout, and health problems. We are also more likely to neglect our relationships, hobbies, and other important aspects of our lives.

Here are some tips for achieving a better work-life balance:

  • Set boundaries. It is important to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. This means not checking work emails or messages outside of work hours, and not working on weekends unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • Take regular breaks. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid fatigue and eye strain. Take a longer break for lunch, and step outside for some fresh air if possible.
  • Pursue hobbies. Make time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy outside of work. This will help you to relax and de-stress.
  • Seek professional help when needed. If you struggle to get the right work-life balance on your own, talk to a therapist or counsellor. They will be able to help you to find the root causes of your workaholism and develop strategies for coping with it in a healthy way.
  • Delegate tasks. If it’s possible to delegate tasks, do it! This will free up your time so that you can focus on the most important things.
  • Say no. It’s okay to say no to extra work or projects, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
  • Take vacations. It’s important to take time off from work to relax and recharge. Even a few days off can make a big difference.
  • Talk to your boss. If you struggle to achieve a work-life balance, talk to your boss about it. They may be able to help you to make some adjustments to your workload or schedule.

Remember, a work-life balance is not just about having time for both work and personal life. It’s also about having the energy and focus to enjoy both aspects of your life. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s important to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.

 

Treatment Options for Workaholism

At Ocean Recovery, we offer a variety of holistic treatments to address the behavioural and emotional aspects of workaholism. We also offer dedicated treatment plans for those living with two conditions simultaneously, typically involving substance addiction and mental health conditions.

Treatment programmes can include (but are not limited to):

  • Individual therapy: One-on-one therapy with a qualified therapist can help individuals understand the root causes of their workaholism and develop strategies for coping with it in a healthy way.
  • Group therapy: Group therapy can help provide individuals with support and camaraderie from others struggling with workaholism.
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy session that can help people identify and address the negative beliefs and thoughts that may contribute to their workaholism.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT is another type of therapy that can help people develop mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance skills.
  • Experiential therapy: Experiential therapy activities, such as art therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy, can help people to express themselves creatively and delve into their emotions in a safe and supportive setting.

 

Find Support Today

We hope you’ve found this article on how to deal with workaholism useful. If you or someone you know is struggling with workaholism, reaching out for help is important. Give us a call today, and our friendly and caring team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide free advice.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: October 20, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.