It couldn’t fit any better, could it? Exams are coming up, so most of us only seem to turn into real workaholics when studying towards the end of the term. How fitting, then, that today, on 5th July, we can all celebrate International Workaholics Day! Personally, I‘m not sure whether we should celebrate or commiserate…
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Worka…what?!
A workaholic is a “person to whom work is extremely or excessively important, esp. one who voluntarily works very long hours; a person addicted to working” (OED).
It can also imply that someone really enjoys the work itself or that they simply feel obliged to do it. That’s quite something, don’t you think? Certainly, we all sometimes, somehow feel a certain ‘pressure’ when it comes to work. But a workaholic comes in early, stays in late and sacrifices health and their relationships with their loved ones. Not only once, but very often. I dare say – constantly. Relaxation simply isn’t part of their vocabulary, literally. This may work out for a certain time.
But let’s face it: a healthy work-life balance is vital!
Help! I know a workaholic!
While reading this, you might have a friend or relative in mind, or you might recognise your own workaholic behaviour… In that case, you’ve already made the first step towards a better work-life balance. Remember some of the following advice that may help to be a diligent, hard-working student who can combine work and time for revitalization
- Give your body and mind enough time to relax. This sets free more energy than you might think at first glance.
- Set yourself a certain time limit to finish your work effectively, instead of spending too much time working ineffectively.
- Reward yourself by organising a meeting with a mate that always cheers you up.
- In case you have got up the wrong side of the bed: stop working for a day. Don’t force it! Try to relax and start all over the next day.
- Remind yourself of one very essential fact: nobody’s perfect! It’s human nature to set goals you can’t attain sometimes!
Remember, we get up and go to work every day to earn the money or to study for a job in the future in order to enjoy the rest of our lives. Why not start enjoying now? Being hard-working definitely earns respect, but you only live once, right?
Text & Picture: Maximiliane Hil