While it may sound similar, being a workaholic and working for long hours are two different things. Didn't know that? If not, but are curious to find out more, read along.
This blog briefly differentiates being a workaholic and working long hours. In addition, you'll find how workaholism and working for long hours impact your health.
Workaholic Vs. Working Long Hours
Workaholics are work-obsessed. They have an urge to work as hard as they can and are completely engrossed in working better every day. Workaholism is usually associated with working long hours. But remember, the terms are distinct.
You can be obsessed with working and still work for a limited number of hours and vice versa. There are several negative consequences associated with workaholism that one might face even after working for just a few hours.
Several people have to work for a very long time because of their job nature. However, just because someone has that kind of job, it doesn't mean they love what they're doing. This is just working for long hours, but no addiction or love for the job for a lot of people.
A simple way of understanding their difference is that workaholism is a mentality while working for a long hour is a behavior.
How Do Workaholism and Working for Long Hours Affect Your Health?
Workaholism
Workaholism also termed work addiction, is one of the top public concerns. Here's how it affects your health: -
1. Less Sleep
Most workaholics suffer from a lack of adequate sleep. That is because the more you spend your time and efforts on working, the less satisfying sleep you would get. However, they don't know that better quality work and increased work productivity are directly related to adequate and high-quality sleep.
2. Headaches
Workaholics also suffer from frequent headaches. They are stressed most of the time because of working and persistently feel that they aren't working hard enough. You might also be at risk of migraine if you experience recurrent headaches. Check here to confirm.
3. Bad Gut Health
Additionally, working constantly is also known to affect your gut health (Is your gut healthy? Check here instantly) your gut health, which leads to several gastrointestinal issues.
4. Working for Long Hours
Working for long hours isn't bad unless it becomes an addiction. And if it does, It becomes a serious concern for your health. Here's how: -
5. No Work-life Balance
With time, working from home has become very common and the most chosen style of working. However, with time, it's also getting difficult to distinguish work from life while working from home. And this leads to working overtime, increased screen time, and more stress on your eyes and mental health.
6. Causes Stress and Anxiety
Excessively long working hours can cause physical and mental stress, increasing cortisol production in the body. And if the stress is not taken care of, it can lead to work burnout and anxiety.
7. Bad for Heart and Eyes
Also, sitting for long hours and working can be bad for your heart. It even has a detrimental effect on the eyes.
Must Check: Simple Steps For Managing Work-Stress
What Are Some Ways to Prevent the Negative Effects of Workaholism?
Some people consider themselves workaholics and are proud of it without realizing they are harming themselves. So, here are some practical actions to prevent the negative effects of workaholism in your work life: -
1. Determine the Root Cause
Start with understanding the root cause of your workaholism. Some people become workaholics because of fear of failure, death, or looking insignificant in front of their peers and family members. It drives them to work hard & earn more money for a well-settled life.
However, it is all not worth it if you are not happy mentally. So, try to change your behavior towards yourself. Ask yourself questions like:
- Who are you doing this for?
- Who're you trying to impress, and why?
- Who and what are you trying to prove?
2. Talk To Someone You Trust and Rely On
Talk to someone supportive, who loves you truly and thinks the best for you when you struggle with work-life imbalance. Therapists are a perfect go-to option if you do not want your family members to help you.
You can also look for people who have a healthy relationship with their family and life in general, who are successful and happy with their lives.
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3. Self-Help Groups are the Best Bet
Talking to someone who shares similar problems like you can prove to be beneficial for you. Such people usually have gone through the same situations and can thus understand and empathize with you better.
Wrapping Up
There's a lot more in life than just being a workaholic. And giving yourself a break and enjoying the good things in the world will not make you lazy or any less of a hard-working human. Rest, peace and good mental health are necessary for better quality work. So, stop investing most of the hours of your day in work and spend some time with yourself and your loved ones.
