Long hours, overtime, weekend side-hustles – is it possible to be too career driven? We share common signs of overworking, and how to create a healthier work-life balance

It’s hard to deny: we live in a culture where hard work is highly valued. People love to be seen to be pushing hard, putting in more and more hours, climbing their way up the career ladder, or making the leap to become their own boss. Having a strong work ethic can, of course, be a positive thing. But when you forget to keep a healthy balance, you can risk all that time and effort going to waste. After all, what’s the point in pushing yourself to the top, if you aren’t able to enjoy it once you get there?

What is a workaholic?

While it’s not a clinical diagnosis, the phrase ‘workaholic’ is commonly used to describe a person who compulsively works excessively hard, long hours. Beyond loving or being committed to your job, those who experience work addiction feel unable to detach themselves from work, and may experience severe guilt or stress at the thought of switching off.

While high-pressure environments, constant deadlines, and high stakes can result in a culture of overworking, anyone can cross the line from being a hard worker into being a workaholic, no matter what their job is.

What’s the impact?

Studies have shown that work addiction is often linked with high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Over a prolonged period of time, chronic stress can lead to physical health problems, including headaches and high blood pressure.

When considering the impact this can have on your home life, and career, accredited life and career coach Alana Leggett says, “Excess in any area of your life is a bad idea. In holistic coaching, we strive for balance in all areas. Work, particularly, can be a stressful environment, and that’s why it’s important to have downtime,” Alana says. “In fact, excessive stress and lack of rest can lead to increases in cortisol (the stress hormone), which can affect your health, your immune system, and sleep.”

Now we know the impact, what are the signs we should be looking for, to understand if our relationship with work has become unhealthy?

Mondays can be hard, so refocus your energy with these uplifting affirmations

Mondays can be a drag. And when you’ve got an overwhelming, never-ending to-do list in front of you, the stresses of the week ahead are creeping up, and the thought of putting one foot in front of the other feels too much, it’s easy to be filled with Monday morning dread.

While we can’t actually take away the source of the dread – as much as we might want to – there are some tried and tested techniques for building up resilience, and affirmations top the list.

Affirmations are short, simple phrases that we can repeat to ourselves to ground us in the moment, and to remind ourselves of the strength we have inside. They can also prompt us to refocus our attention on the reality that we face, and are a helpful reminder of the ability that we each have to take some control back over our mindset.

These affirmations are designed to help build a sense of calm and reassurance, so that you can go on to face the day, and the week ahead, with confidence and resilience. Repeat them to yourself first thing in the morning, or whenever you need an extra boost. Each week brings new challenges our way, but by dedicating just a small amount of time to this simple practice, you could uncover the key to staying balanced.

1. Today is a new day.

2. I am committed to my personal growth.

3. I am capable of tackling any obstacle.

4. My thoughts do not control me, I control my thoughts.

5. I am worthy of investing in myself.

6. My feelings deserve to be recognised.

7. I am the architect of my own life.

8. I give myself permission to follow my dreams.

9. I can deal with the hurdles that come my way.

10. I am safe.

11. I know what I am doing.

12. I deserve respect.

13. I recognise my achievements.

14. My feelings are valid and I Iisten to them.

15. I do not need to prove myself to anyone.

16. I live in line with my values.

17. I will take time to find joy in my day.

18. I am calm.

19. I will make time for myself when I need it.

20. I will achieve my goals.

Need extra support? You might benefit from working with a life coach. Find out more, and connect with a professional using lifecoach-directory.org.uk