In a world of productivity and side hustles, workaholics are admired by many. We idolize those who manage to get more work done than most of us even with little to no sleep. But one great misconception related to this is that workaholics are the same as hard workers.
The truth is, being a workaholic is not about being efficient with your job or your daily to-do list. It’s not about working extra shifts because you enjoy your job. According to behaviorists and other health experts, workaholics are individuals addicted to work or have an uncontrollable and compulsive need to work unceasingly. Are you a workaholic? Read this guide to know how you can keep up with your physical and mental demands in a healthy way.
1. Eat your biggest meal at breakfast
According to some studies, people who have smaller lunches and dinners but have bigger breakfasts tend to lose more weight than those who eat bigger dinners. That’s the case even if both of these groups have the same calorie intake every day.
Eating your biggest meal at breakfast is not just for you to lose weight. It also helps your brain and body function optimally throughout the day. Make sure to prepare a nutrient-rich meal that can help you to be more focused and productive. You can incorporate eggs, salmon, and broccoli into your food to increase your productivity. Meanwhile, foods such as leaf vegetables, dark chocolate, and fatty or oily fish boost your focus.
2. Upgrade your personal time
Having personal time, alone time, quiet time, or whatever you want to call it is essential to help your body and mind take a breather. In fact, alone time has been proven to increase your productivity, empathy, mental strength, creativity, satisfaction, and happiness. For some people, it could just be a good morning shower or an evening self-care routine that can help them take a break from the hustle and bustle or a full day of communicating with others.
But even if you work and live alone, having moments for yourself without worrying about work should be a priority. If you find moments of solace in taking a shower, purchase products that can make you feel great. If it’s in reading or writing, pair that hobby with an amazing cup of coffee. If you love exercising, why not get that stunning pair of workout clothes? Do whatever you can to brighten up your little moments.
3. Schedule routine healthcare
Skipping routine healthcare tests and checkups is typical for a workaholic. When was the last time you visited your physician? Or a dentist?
Medical visits are necessary for anyone who wants to live a healthy life. The first doctor you should see regularly is a physician or primary care provider. From annual wellness exams to discussing health concerns, they can help you ensure your health is on the right track.
The next professional you shouldn’t miss a visit to is the dentist. Frequent visits are vital for managing dental health. Find the right one based on your needs. For instance, if your primary problem is the alignment of your teeth, you need an orthodontist with a clinic equipped with the best orthodontic appliances to conduct procedures, such as aesthetic braces and gold retainer wires. You should also schedule regular visits with an optometrist, dermatologist, or mental health professional, depending on your need.
4. Literally unplug
With remote work on the rise, it’s quite hard for us to put down our phones or shut down our computers and laptops. For workaholics, this is a harder struggle. Take time to disconnect from work and start a digital detox. Some do this for several days or hours. Do whatever works for your schedule and do it slowly. Having a digital detox for a whole week on your first try might just leave you stressed out even more.
You can start by setting a time every evening to turn those notifications off and leave your phone or laptop in another room. If you want to take it up a notch, you can challenge yourself for a weekend without screens controlling your day. Spend that screen-free day by catching up with your family or friends or rediscover your hobbies and passions.
It’s important to understand how workaholism can greatly harm your well-being. Being a workaholic can take a toll on your social relationships and completely lead to a poorer quality of life. Pay attention to your work habits. Recognize the signs, from sleep troubles, burnout, mood changes, to sleep troubles, and pump the brakes when you need to.
