What goes on in a Workaholic’s Mind?
A workaholic is an individual who habitually buckles down and extends periods of time at work, now we all know that. I am a workaholic too and until now I did not know that I was one before my man (who himself was known by a workaholic according to his colleagues) called me one. And in today’s article, I will give you an example that how our thought process exactly works and what exactly this workaholic thing is. But first, let me tell you a bit about myself, I am a mental health counselor, a blogger, and a writer. My day starts at 6 am in the morning and as I have little insomnia, my day ends at after 2 am or 3 am. Well, when I am not working I either keep thinking about my blog posts about what to write next, about people I havedealt with for the entire day and keep researching on stuff. I do not take vacations or week-offs because there is no point as even if I go out my mind will be occupied with either of these thoughts. Me and my mind, we work compulsively. Even when I see people around my mind would analyze them (from a psychologists’ perspective) or when I talk to someone new I keenly listen to them (from a writers perspective because everyone has a story). And if not anything else I keep on thinking and working impulsively on my site. And as many know I have severe anxiety disorder.
Ah, I know you are already bored of reading my schedule but all workaholics (more or less) think like this and in my case, I am an extreme workaholic. But let me tell you, this is not only mere an addiction to work but a disease. Not a big mental disease but a kind of OCD. A compulsive worker’s fixation on work is all-involving, which keeps them from keeping up sound connections, outside interests, or even take measures to ensure their wellbeing. It is also a dissonant issue because even if we want to do something else, we end up working or thinking about our work-related things. But yes do not mistake it as working hard, because working hard is completely different than working continuously because we workaholics enjoy doing it, we find pleasure or relief in it. I even dream of my work-related things. LOL.
How to treat it?
Over-work has been connected to thyroid, diabetes and even coronary illness. The absence of rest/weariness can impacts affect states of mind also. Though I have never tried any of them. If you or anyone close to you is a workaholic and they want to get out of it then you may suggest them these steps.
1: Give yourself a break and try to change your mindset
2: If you have a family, try not to bring your work home
3: Set limits.
4: Figure out how to close it down. Make an agreement with yourself that you won’t work past a specific time, and respect that opportunity to close everything down.
5: Meditate on it
As I always say you can do it only if you want to do it. Things may be hard but not impossible.
I have a few workaholic tendencies so I try and make sure that I spend some part of my day relaxing and doing thing I enjoy.
It’s easy to become a workaholic, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. It seems like there’s always one more thing that needs to be done right this very second. This was a great read.
I have the tendency to be a workaholic but I try to make time sometimes.
There arebdays when I feel like there is so much to do. But as soon as I remember I try to put work aside and concentrate on something else
I understand this all too well. I’m a workaholic for sure, and I have to fight that tendency constantly. I always try to remind myself that what I’m working for is a better life, not just more and more work.
This is such a good post. I think many of us are workaholics (one way or another) without realizing.
You have an awesome list here, Moni! I used to work too much as well and I just find #4 on your list so true. I try to work on my schedule and not work past it, in that way, I won’t burn myself out and love my job even more.
The first step to change is to admit you have a problem, which I believe is the most difficult part of it. Most people do not believe they are workaholics. For me, it was an accident that made me understand that what I was doing was not healthy for me or my family. It has been hard but I am trying my best little by little. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This. is. literally. me. haha. Regarding your tip #2, I guess I can’t do it because I am now working from home. My brain stays active even until 1 in the morning and I usually sleep at 2 or 3 in the morning. Woooh. Let’s bring it on…
Taking required amount of breaks is required. Loved that you mentioned the need of setting limits. It’s not just good for you, but for your family as well.
Thank God! I’m not a workaholic. One of my friends is a workaholic?m and I have shared the link with her. Hopefully, she will find it valuable.
I was such a workaholic growing up and travelling is what made me learn to look after myself and live a little. Taking a break and enjoying life is so important.
Ashlee | ashleemoyo.com
Thanks for the actionable tips! I think meditation is a great one, you can try and observe your workaholic self….there is a great line from the French Philosopher Pascal “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
I am a work-a-holic but I am working on dividing business and pleasure! It’s hard not to want to work ALL THE TIME but with a 1 year old, I have to just STOP sometimes.
Now I know about you a lot. With my 21 years of IT experience I know what work alcoholic means. Have encountered people facing the problem and struggling to keep calm. But what I am curious about you is being a mental health counselor, you must be able to analyse and come out of the problem better.
Haave you ever heard a Cardiologist treating his own heart ailment inspite of knowing the cure? No right? Same is the problem here as well.
This is a fab piece. I think there is some really good advice here for sure. I am deffo a workaholic!! xx
I know I have a few workaholic tendencies and it’s tough for me to take a break and relax. Thanks for the reminder that I need so mental care once and a while.
My ex was a massive workaholic, she just couldn’t switch off and I meant we couldn’t enjoy couples time enough.
Maybe if I had read this before it would have helped, but we’ll never know
I used to be a workaholic but now I know I need breaks. Otherwise I’ll lose my mind. It’s happened before!
I used to be a workaholic as it was something i really enjoyed as i loved my job but then i moved and havent found a job i enjoy.
My mom is a workaholic I have to constantly remind her to relax and enjoy life
The well-written article you have discussed good point
I’am workaholic persons but I’ve always make time to have fun and enjoy myself I agree with the number Give yourself a break and try to change your mindset and that’s really important.
I don’t know if I would consider myself as a workaholic, but my issue is, once I start on something, I have the need to find other things to do after that. Thanks for writing this piece. It did shed light on what workaholics go through.
I am a natural workaholic as a Capricorn. But I cannot stay on one job alone. I need to do different things, in between, because I get bored quite easily.
Got shooked on this article as a guilty workaholic myself, nice one and thanks for sharing here 🙂
First and foremost thing, A person should acknowledge that Overworking is an issue, that needs to be addressed.
Once it is acknowledged, the rest becomes easier.
I have a workaholics mentality, but, I am not organized. I will have multiple projects going on at once and I think that leads to more stress than necessary. Thank you for the tips to reduce the urge!
Thanks for sharing this. I think I might be a workaholic. Setting limits it’s the hardest part for me.
Yes even when people love to work it’s so important to take a break – for both physical and mental wellbeing. Great post
Laura x
Oh man, I have no idea what this is like, definitely not a workaholic here. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
That’s quite interesting and I think I may have some workaholics tendencies once in a while.
I definitely get in the zone and find it difficult to step back. If I’m not working I’m thinking about it. Or planning. I do think it’s important to set boundaries as you stated. Otherwise burnout is sure to follow.
My mind doesn’t stop–it’s always thinking of so many things at once. And it has gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. I always feel like I’m running out of time. I do have to force myself to take breaks.
Workaholic? That is me!! I can’t stop lol, but I love what I do, so don’t complain!
It can be hard to stop working for the day. I too have to force myself at times to stop working
Definitely not me, I love finding lazy ways to accomplish tasks. Thanks for sharing
I’m not a workaholic for sure, however my work keeps forcing me to work harder than I would like to! That was something really interesting to read! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your tips. I do struggle with this. I try to make a point to designate times and know when to turn it off, but I struggle with waking up with work on my mind…
As usual this id great article too, you have an awesome list of ideas here/ I enjoyed reading and tried to understanding this WORKAHOLIC means the person enjoys their work
I think it is important to set limits and also provide KPIs/goals. It would be more quantifiable.
I have fought my workaholic tendencies most of my life, recognizing the downfalls of living that way. One thing that I have discovered in recent years is that camping has helped me A LOT. I focus on being ‘productive’ doing things like building a fire, cooking outdoors and hiking with the dogs. At the same time, however, it encourages me to unplug and take some time away from my work. It’s not perfect (I still struggle to turn my brain off and will often give in and check in on social media to stay on top of my blogging) but it’s a step in the right direction.
I used to be a workhaholic but not anymore. There was a lot of stress involved and at a point I began to feel so exhausted because even when sleeping, my brain would still be working. It was crazy.
Giving your mind a break to stop the workaholic habit is such a great tip. I am mindfully giving myself breaks and having downtime
Well,,, I’m the definition of a workaholic for sure! haha
My husband is a workaholic and I’ll be honest, it really can put a strain on a marriage. You’ve got some great tips for how to manage it though. Thanks for sharing
I used to be a workaholic when I was working in a corporate office. At first, it was satisfying, job done. Then I just realized one day that I’ve been working so hard but not for myself but for the benefit of others (the company). So I quit and become workaholic at my own pace.
I pace myself and take breaks in between work so that I am not stressed and overcome. I hope this pandemic has taught us all to slow down and relax because many of us have been on the go, go, go.
I can safely say that I am a workaholic if I am motivated, else I am too lazy.
If i am motivated, my day would end at around 3am or 4am, and if I am not, then my day won’t start until 12pm. 😛 I know…
This is excellent advice and much needed now that most are working from home or furloughed. I always find it very hard to turn my brain off.
This sounds really challenging to deal with. I work hard, but I am definitely not a workaholic and it has always worried me when excessive work is glamourised, the health and social implications are massive. As my Dad (a man who worked ALOT before he retired) – no one lay on their death bed and wished they worked more. I can imagine it is hard to set limits, but learning to rest is one of the biggest gifts you will ever give yourself.
I was an hr professional before my baby now u am full time babysitter. But thay time i wad like totally workaholic petson. Sometimes i forget to have my lunch on time. usually time for my lunch was 5 pm. Due to that iwas suffered and then i decided not t to be too much. workaholic. You wrote so well keep it up
It is really important to have a balance between life and work. Well written post. It was really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I have a hard time with this since I work at home. It is not as easy to be done with work when the work day is over. I am an admitted workaholic.
This hit hard! I’m definitely edging towards bring a workaholic because of my blog. I’m passionate about it and on many days I stay up working late, with ideas pouring in to no end! I will definitely back down and draw some boundaries. Thanks for the reminder.
I used to be a workoholic, but not anymore.
I’m totally a workaholic and this is spot on!
How true is all of this? It’s so hard to overcome at times.
very interesting post! I have never given it much thought as I can not say I am a workaholic, I think productive work starts with good rest
I am a blogger but I cannot work very late in the night as I love my sleep:)You have given some great tips to cure workaholic behaviour. The best one is to meditate, it keeps you balanced.
I was a workaholic until I suffered burnout and depression. Now I have tried to change my lifestyle and my work schedule to allow for ‘me time’ and have strict cut off times. It helps that I work for myself now as well.
This is so relatable. I am a “workaholic” but I also try and spend time doing these that are outside of work and matter to me most. Balance is so key.
I can completely relate with you as I myself was a workaholic till a few years back. Every night I would be lying down and thinking about what I did right throughout the day and then get down to thinking about what I would do the next day and plan. Luckily now that I am off from active professional life things have changed quite a lot. Loved reading.
This is really thoughtful post. I learnt something new today. Being a workaholic, I can relate to many things.
This is such an important topic. I gave myself a stress-induced heart attack at 35 years old while pregnant with my youngest and it’s no joke when they say stress can kill you. It’s still hard for me sometimes to allow myself to stop working and take breaks. It’s so important to find balance. <3
You have some good points! I can be a workaholic sometimes too, especially with blogging. It’s hard to close the laptop and stop working, especially from home
Some may say I have a few workaholic qualities, but I call is goal driven. I call it working at the task until it’s completed.
Good of you to remind people that being a workaholic is not healthy and to suggest ways to break out of it, at least a little bit. I remember realizing a few years ago that being called a “workaholic” wasn’t a compliment. It means you’re overdoing it, following the pattern of addiction and are sacrificing yours and other well-being to feed your addiction. It’s a sure-fire way to head for “burn out”.
I know all to well about being a workaholic. I use to be one. I use to feel as if I had to be busy all the time but it is important to rest and take one thing at a time. Great article.
When I love my job i tend to be a workaholic. The job I am currently in I love. I have loved it since i started! I found myself devoting 12 to 15 hours a day at my company. However recently after having a new baby I have dramatically stepped back. and honestly I love it. I love spending more time with my babies and with my husband working a rotating schedule I really like to spend any time that I can with him!
Hmmm this is so interesting. I always thought being a workaholic was a good thing.
Ha-ha nice post! I need this, I can’t stop when I’m so determined to push through with a task.
Well written post and extremely insightful. Thank you for sharing!
This made for an interesting read and an eye opener about what it means to be a workaholic.
XO, MJ
https://lush-fab-glam.com
I used to be a bit like you when I was doing my post-graduate and during my corporate career. I finally took the decision to take a sabbatical and enjoy life for a bit and I’ve been loving it so far!
I used to be a workaholic before, but if I am tired now, I will quit. I need breaks and know my own limits.
I also work about full day. I love it and this is not a disease.
That’s a nice, informative post.
Being a workaholic could be really damaging to the physical self and the relationships around. I had to change a lot to get myself back into the life of normalcy and allow myself to rest and exercise and enjoy food with others and celebrate life in a rich variety of ways.
Great post.
i’ ve moved around so much in the past three years & these experiences abroad made me a true workaholic! I’m still trying to learn how to step back & take care of myself more! This was a lovely post!
Interesting topic and that is for sharing. I look forward to chronicles of maya
I either manically work hard or laze around , no inbeteeen. I need to find a balance
I was amazed by this article as a guilty, nice workaholic and thank you for sharing it here 🙂
I’m definitely a workaholic. I run my own business and sometimes it’s hard to shut it off.
I, myself also a workaholic but when I realize there’s so many things that I’ve missing in life in my condition. I’ve finish my work at the office on time and leave the office on time to spend times with my love ones.
The well-written article you have discussed good point.
I’ve always thought of a workaholic as someone who can’t enjoy life, anxious, and on the edge. Thank God I’m not one or have those tendencies. Great Read!
Candy Rachelle
Keeping Up With Candy
http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com
nice post, i think people really need to set boundaries with everyone working from home now. thanks for sharing.
It is important to have a balance between work and other aspects of life otherwise we get burnout. Sometimes it may take a lot of reflection as to why we feel compelled to work as much as we do.
It’s so easy to become a workaholic. I love how you broke it down, great article.
OMG ! I relate to this article so much, so on point and very well written
I am a workaholic so this post was very useful.
This article is very engaging, we need rest in all we do.
I think working from home like I do can make someone become a workaholic. This is especially because you don’t even know how to separate work from rest. Your tips are very helpful in this case. Thank you for sharing
Great thoughts to read! I should say that a most workaholics portray same trends. I feel most bloggers have to become workaholics looking at the way digital media is growing
I used to be a workaholic until I got really sick. It’s really about time management, delegating excess work and being disciplined about when to just stop. It’s not easy… I know
I am an extreme workaholic as well. I won’t stop working unless I am already satisfied with whatever Im working at. Last night, I went to sleep at 3 am because I can’t figure out the best header for my blog. hahahaha! I should really try to slow down.
Sometimes I share the same habits although I used to be workaholic. But of I troubleshoot anything, I just go on top of every scale.
Certainly, solutions looks achievable with practice.
This article really made me think twice about my work attitude. I don’t consider myself a workaholic, but I do is to complete work in advance, like a whole week’s work should be finished in 3 days. I do that so that I could have a few days in a week free from stress and worry.