I like to work hard. I like to push boundaries and see if I can do more. I don’t like backing out of things and I avoid listening to the voice in the back of my head when it says “stop.” I’ve usually drown that voice out with an equally assertive cry of “push through!”
Every so often, as a result of working too hard, I have become burned out. If you have ever experienced this you will know that it’s far from fun. I’m a mess. I want to cry and at the same time I’m irritated. Why didn’t he call? Why can’t my housemates take down the bin? Why do I have to work? I feel exhausted to my core. Picking up the TV remote is difficult, being nice to people is difficult, making my bed or removing my pyjamas is very, very difficult. I’m a fraction of the person I am when I am well. My mind is foggy and instead of anything being enjoyable it has now become a chore.
I don’t want to be that person. In business and life today there is a dangerous need to seem busy. We don’t want to be the slacker. We don’t want people to think we’re lazy or the kind who opt out in a challenge. Everyone has to work. Working is enjoyable and it’s a healthy part of life. Overworking, however, has a negative effect on your life and health. A healthy work-life balance is key to your personal happiness.
You may have to slow down if you see these signs:
Health Problems
This is obvious. If you are eating too much or not eating enough; if you are struggling with depression; if you keep having physical pain, the cause could be your unbalanced lifestyle. If you do not have time to exercise and prepare healthy meals you need to shift some things in your schedule.
Cognitive problems
If your brain feels like a ball of candy floss, its time to reconsider things. Do you forget people’s names, business meetings, or your wife’s birthday? Cognitive problems can often be a byproduct of too much stress and too much to think about.
Poor relationships
Have you forgotten what grade your children are in? Do you have somebody who knows your everyday stuff? Are you able to give and input into other people’s lives? Good relationships are crucial to your overall wellbeing. Don’t shunt relationships down on your priority list because they don’t have a pdf attached to them.
You bring work home
Occasionally we have big projects that are more demanding than usual and we do have to do extra work. This should not be your norm. When you are home, your home life is your number one. Don’t come home and bring work with you.
You always feel tired
Does the last year feel like 10 years? Does it take you ages to get up in the morning? Are you addicted to coffee or energy drinks? These are all signs that you are too tired. We all need to get enough sleep to be functional people. Running on the raw edge for too long puts lots of strain on your health.
You are negative
The side effect of too much work is a lot of negative thoughts. Do you hate what you used to love? Are you cynical and sarcastic about everything? If you come home and all you can do is moan about everything either you need to check your attitude or adjust your lifestyle so you are able to do things which make you happy.
Working overtime seems normal but it shouldn’t be. You were not created to be a root or a human machine. Be disciplined about what you let into you life and how much. Work different, not harder.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23