What you can do to address work addiction
BY Melissa Day
17th Oct 2023 Health
3 min read
A work addiction can be difficult to break and can disrupt your work-life balance. Here's how you can address a work addiction
Idris
Elba has revealed that he has been seeing a therapist for a year, to tackle
“unhealthy habits” linked to being a “workaholic”, something which he has been
rewarded for. Melissa Day, Therapist at Niroshini 360 explains that as people push
themselves to work harder and for longer hours, they are sacrificing their
mental and physical health in the process.
The glorification of workaholism
One of
the fundamental causes of workaholism, lies in the belief that an individual's
value and self-worth are intricately tied to their performance at work. This
belief is often reinforced by societal and cultural norms that glorify and
reward individuals who sacrifice their personal lives and devote extensive
hours to their jobs. Consequently, many individuals feel compelled to conform
to these norms, even at the expense of their own mental and physical
well-being.
" It is essential to recognise that genuine self-worth and value originate from within"
However, it is essential to recognise that genuine self-worth and
value originate from within, rather than being dependent on external factors.
Seeking assistance from a therapist or counsellor can prove beneficial in
addressing the underlying beliefs and patterns that contribute to work addiction.
Toxic culture of productivity
The
current work and reward culture is fuelling this work addiction mindset, making
it difficult to enjoy life outside of work. As a result of this trend in
today's fast-paced world, the concept of ‘soft life’ has become increasingly
important. Soft life refers to a lifestyle that values comfort. Sadly, the idea
of soft life has been lost in the toxic culture of productivity that has taken
over society.
Origins of soft life
#softlife
has over a billion views on TikTok. The soft life movement originated in places
such as Nigeria and other regions of the African continent but gained
popularity through African American women, often portrayed as fictional
characters on television.
Sustainable wellness
Taking
the time to recharge and unwind is not only beneficial for our mental health
but also for our healthy productivity and creativity. Embracing a soft life
means prioritising self-care and taking breaks when necessary, without feeling
guilty or ashamed. It means recognising that our worth is not tied to our
productivity and that we are allowed to enjoy life outside of work.
" Embracing a soft life means prioritising self-care and taking breaks when necessary"
To lead
a comfortable life, means embracing a more gratifying and contented existence.
It is rooted in the pursuit of sustainable wellness. It’s about having a clear
direction in life, pursuing a career or business that aligns with personal
aspirations and prioritising holistic well-being. This starts by cultivating a
positive mindset and acknowledging the deservingness of having a soft life.
Prioritise your holistic wellbeing
After a
long day at work, it's important to take time for yourself to unwind and
recharge. Here are some tips to help you relax and de-stress after work:
Nature can have a calming effect on the mind. The sounds of
birds singing, leaves rustling and water flowing can help to soothe the nervous
system and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that spending time in nature
can also improve cognitive function, creativity and overall feelings of
happiness. Soaking in a warm bath can also help ease tense muscles and calm your mind. It's a perfect way to unwind and
pamper yourself after a long day.
"After a long day at work, it's important to take time for yourself to unwind and recharge"
Listening to 432hz healing sound frequencies can also be an effective way to
reduce stress and improve your mood. Try creating a relaxing playlist and take
some time to listen to it and unwind. Short meditation sessions, in addition to these frequencies, are a great way to build a habit of
daily meditation which can lead to long-term benefits such as reduced stress,
improved focus and increased self-awareness.
Give yourself the opportunity to disconnect from the constant barrage of
notifications and distractions. This gives your brain a chance to rest and
recharge which in turn can lead to increased focus, creativity and
productivity. Additionally, taking a break from your phone can help improve
your sleep quality, as the blue light emitted from screens can interfere with
your body's natural sleep rhythms.
Remember,
it's important to take time for yourself to unwind and recharge after a long
day at work. Find what works for you and make it a part of your daily routine.
Banner credit: Office worker (Ridofranz)
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