Are you a workaholic? This is how you should take some time off work

You are doing everything you can to deliver at work. You work day and night to achieve your goals. But recently, you have started feeling tired and want to slow down. You feel like you are missing out on great things in life and don't know how to let up. It is easy to fall into the trap of workaholism, which simply means that you value work over anything else, even at the cost of your family and health. Maybe you just don’t know where to stop or how to start achieving a better work-life balance.

Image : shutterstock

Stop for a second, lay back, and try to see the value of taking a break every now and then from work. Understand what overworking can do to you and your loved ones.

Productivity meter on the rise

Work is an important area of your life. However, being stuck in the same monotonous way of life and work can have serious effect on your productivity levels. If you do not give yourself a break, your mind will not get time to rejuvenate. Consequently, the output of your work will suffer. Your work is bound to reflect your emotional state and your stress and frustration will further channel significant negative energy into your life. So remember, you can create great solutions in a shorter period of time if you are well rested and rejuvenated. Regular refuelling is a prerequisite for quality output. Your brain is an energy machine that consumes 20 percent of the body's calories. Energy that gets exhausted must be resupplied at right intervals.

So take some time out to do what you think will relax you, and see how your productivity meter rises. Your work will start to have the impact you have desired for so long.

Creativity reboot

Creativity is one streak that keeps all your senses in check. What is that hobby that you want to pursue but just couldn’t find time for it? That pottery class ad that you took a screenshot of? That book club you heard about? Maybe learn a new language or a new dance form? It’s time to get your priorities right.

Take out some ‘me’ time and give yourself the chance to indulge in something new, something you haven’t tried before. Realise that you can function somewhere other than your workplace, too. Creativity push will help you see the everyday mundane things and aspects of your personal and professional life with a fresh perspective. It’s high time you unlock the lighthouse of new ideas within yourself.

Your relationships matter more

When was the last time you spent quality time with your loved ones? When was the last time you were not irritable and cranky with your partner? When was the last time you made someone else feel special and loved? When was the last time you gave yourself the same opportunity?

Hit the pause button and see how your work habits are affecting others in your life – the ones who truly love and care about you. Spend some time with them. Don’t let yourself live in the guilt of missing out on things and occasions with your family. Create some new memories to cherish and you wouldn’t feel saturated or burnt out again.

Lastly, talk and talk your heart out. You will end up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and will feel more focussed. Give yourself a chance to enjoy life with all the little moments of joy it brings along. You will see it will calm you down. Being a workaholic, you tend to be in control of things all the time. Learn to let go and breathe. Start by having an actual conversation with someone, not only talking but listening as well. Get to know yourself and mingle with others for a change.