
Workaholism - 10 tips to help you survive
Workaholism - an unhealthy
inability to stop working - is becoming commoner and commoner. It's usually
caused by a long standing feeling of inadequacy. Some workaholics push
themselves too hard because they are frightened of something: usually failure or
poverty. But many simply feel the need to prove themselves better than anyone
else.
If work is ruining your health it isn't too late to protect
yourself.
First ask yourself these simple questions:
1. Are you
always busy?
2. Do you feel constantly under pressure?
3. Do you wish
you had more time for yourself?
4. Do you find it difficult to relax?
5.
Are you unwilling to take a holiday - even though you need one?
6. Do you
have difficulty in sleeping?
7. Do you work at evenings and weekends?
8.
Do you snatch meals while you work?
9. Do you ever wake up at night thinking
about work or money?
10. Do you find it difficult to slow your mind down?
If you have answered YES to any of these questions then you are almost
certainly a workaholic.
Here are some of the diseases you could suffer
from:
* Eczema or dermatitis
* Indigestion
* Irritable Bowel
Syndrome
* Arthritis
* High blood pressure
* Asthma
* Headaches
or migraines
You don't have to fit into any particular working category
to be a workaholic. People working for themselves often become victims as they
struggle to create a successful business. But employees can also be victims -
particularly if they are working in a tough, competitive environment with a
ruthless and domineering boss.
Housewives are as likely to suffer as
anyone.
You can help yourself survive - in good health - by following
some simple rules:
1. Cut out unnecessary work whenever possible. This
is just as important at home as at work. Many chores become habits - even though
they may not be necessary. Don't wash the car unless it's really dirty. Never
iron socks or knickers.
2. Always leave a quarter of your time unscheduled.
If you pack your day with appointments and commitments then the inevitable
crises will throw you into a panic.
3. Make a list of everything you've got
to do each week. Put urgent items on an one list; less urgent items on a second
list and non-urgent items on a third list. This way you can make sure that you
do the urgent stuff first - before you get chased.
4. Break down big jobs
into small, manageable parts to reduce the stress levels.
5. If you have to
take on something new try, make sure that you give up something that you are
already doing - otherwise your work quota will simply expand until you collapse.
6. Allow other people to help you as often as possible. At work delegate
whenever you can. Try to surround yourself with people who you can trust. At
home, when they are old enough, get the kids to help with the washing up and
peel the potatoes; then, gradually increase their responsibilities.
7. Make
relaxation a priority - and put it onto your URGENT list every week. You should
spend some time every day relaxing - and you need to be able to relax
effectively and thoroughly.
8. Make physical fitness a priority - put visits
to the gym on your URGENT list too. The fitter you are the better you will be
able to cope with stress and pressure.
9. Don't let your work invade every
aspect of your life. If you take work home make sure that you only work in ONE
room.
10. Learn to say 'no'. It may be hard. But it is often a lot easier
than saying 'yes' to things that you don't really want to do, and haven't got
time for.
Finally, don't make the mistake of thinking that you are
indispensable. Graveyards are full of people who thought they were
indispensable.
If you want to know just how indispensable you are try
this:
* Fill a bowl with warm water
* Put your hand into the bowl
* Take your hand out
And look at the size of the hole your hand leaves
when you remove it.
THAT'S how indispensable you are.
Copyright Vernon Coleman 2004
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