Are you a workaholic? If you suspect the answer is “yes,” know that it’s possible to thrive in both your personal and professional life — it just takes practice. Here are six strategies that can help you find balance.
Redefine “urgent.” Workaholics often see every task as high priority, creating unnecessary stress. Step back, review past tasks, and see how many were truly urgent.
Reinvent your to-do list. Shift your focus from completing everything to prioritizing what’s important. A tool like the Eisenhower Matrix (also known as the “urgent-versus-important matrix”) can help you decide how to spend your time.
Learn to say “no” and delegate. Practice declining tasks that don’t align with your priorities. You don’t have to do it all.
Fix your workaholic clock. Track how long tasks actually take, then adjust your expectations. Give yourself more time or ask for help.
Control rumination. Break the cycle of overthinking work by practicing mindfulness or using mantras to shift focus. You may also try scheduling a specific time to mentally revisit work concerns, limiting how much headspace they occupy during your off-hours.
Embrace rest. Incorporate intentional breaks, physical activity, and hobbies into your day. Recovery fuels better performance.
