Take a Break From Being a Workaholic. Here Are 7 Ways

Admit it, you want a break from work, even though it seems like all you know how to do anymore. Maybe you just don’t know where to start. We already covered 7 signs you might be a workaholic in another post. I’m not going to get into ways to reform yourself completely from being a workaholic (yet). But, if you try some of the suggestions below, you’ll achieve a little more balance in your life right away. If it doesn’t seem possible to accomplish some of them, it’s probably time to ask yourself why.

Here are seven ways you can treat the “symptoms” of being a workaholic:

Have lunch with a friend during the workweek

This sounds like a simple one, but it’s amazing how many people only take meals at the desk or with colleagues every day. Take a little extra time and get away from the office to catch up with a friend. You’ll feel refreshed, and will probably be more productive when you get back since you took your mind off of work for a while anyways.

Work from home one day per week

Working from home for a day can go a long way towards making you feel more connected with life outside of work. It’s so relaxing to not worry about your commute for a day. Schedule a delivery. Work in your pajamas if you want to. Take a break and clean the house a little or catch up on something else you’ve been neglecting at home. You can still get plenty of work done.

Start a workout routine

Here’s a way to spend time away from work and receive more than just relief from your workaholic symptoms. You’ll improve your health, lengthen your lifespan, look and feel better and perform better at everything, including work. How can your boss complain about that?

Surprise your significant other with a weekend away

We talked before about how your spouse or significant other can become an indicator of you being a workaholic if he or she is constantly complaining about it. Pay some TLC to your relationship and schedule a surprise weekend away somewhere. It doesn’t have to be far away. Just get out of town and focus on the two of you without thinking about or dealing with work.

Stop working on the weekend or days off

Severe workaholics generally have a habit of working on the weekend (or whatever their days off are). It can range from going into the office every “day off” just to check in, to putting in full 8-12 hour days. Whatever the characteristics, it’s mentally and physically unhealthy to work all the time. Most everyone takes regular days off. You should too.

Take up a hobby

Here’s a great way to make sure you spend less time at the office and become a more well-rounded person. Take up a hobby that requires you to leave the office at a reasonable hour (or even early) once in a while. Here are some suggestions: take an art class, learn how to sail, join a sports league, take an acting class, join a book club, learn a language or anything else that you’re interested in.

Take a long vacation

There are few things that can clear your mind better than a long vacation. It needs to be at least two weeks to really disconnect from the “real world.” It’s amazing how things related to work which used to seem so life-or-death important can become so insignificant after time away. Just make sure you don’t work while on the vacation (no matter what).

So, what are you waiting for? Your new, more fun and interesting life can begin today. Tell us about other things you’ve done to achieve more life balance in the comments!

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