What Workaholism Does To Us

The downside to workaholism is significant if a high quality of life is our objective. Many of us pride ourselves on possessing an overwhelming desire to work excessively. This persistent and focused effort prevents us from detaching from our work—even when we know it hurts us physically, mentally, and socially.

I have lived this challenge, most notably as part of Coach Bo Schembechler’s Michigan Football staff. It was easy to be a workaholic, with so many others working the 92-hour work week with you. Owning where we are and taking time to ask, “Is this the life we choose?” is the start.

Last week, we shared what workaholism looks like and its advantages. This week, we will discuss the downside.

Signs that you may have workaholic tendencies are:

• Fatigue – You feel lethargic, but at the same time, you have difficulty sleeping. You always feel like you are running behind.
• Lack of diversity in your life – There is little you focus on other than work. Hobbies, interests outside of work, and other activities are pushed aside.
• Work is your identity – Your self-worth comes from your work, not who you are.
• Perfectionism – The quality of your work reflects who you are. The product is not perfect unless it pleases everyone.

Psychological Impacts of Workaholism

Psychologically, workaholism takes a tremendous toll on us. We need to respect our minds and the need for our brains to be treated kindly and given a break, to reboot. The psychological impacts of workaholism are:

• Anxiety and depression – Our inability to give our brains a break and the opportunity to refresh leads to chronic stress. That constant stress restricts our potential.
• Strained relationships – Work-time commitments diminish the opportunity to develop and maintain relationships. The most significant strain is on those who mean the most to us.
• Feeling unfulfilled – Happiness from professional success is short-lived and ultimately leaves us with decreased life satisfaction.

Physical Impacts of Workaholism

Physically, workaholism takes its toll. Our physical well-being is the base of the pyramid on which everything we need to succeed is built. Like any foundation not built correctly and maintained, it eventually caves in. These are some of the areas that the chronic stress of long-term workaholism has an impact on:

• Cardiovascular system – An unrelenting stressful pace can lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation of our arteries.
• Immune system – Chronic stress can cause our bodies to increase the production of the hormone cortisol, which over time can lead to a suppressed immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and slower to heal.
• Body aches – Back and neck pain are often attributable to the stress from too much work, as are headaches and even migraines.
• Digestion – Upset stomach and nausea, acid reflux and heartburn, ulcers can all be consequences of chronic stress.
• Weight gain – Not attending to our physical well-being and taking time to eat a healthy diet leads to weight gain, which can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
• Skin and hair – New and increased skin issues like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, and hair loss or premature graying are other possible consequences of chronic stress.

Legendary football player and coach Alex Agassi retired as the Director of Athletics at Eastern Michigan University to join our Michigan Football staff as a volunteer. He realized the stress of the EMU job when he saw the evidence in a picture taken with his granddaughter at Christmastime — he had lost all his eyebrow hair. One year later, as part of our staff, his eyebrows grew back!

There are short-term benefits to workaholism as we accomplish much. As a steady diet, however, it will leave us less fulfilled than we could be, and it may even shorten our lives.

Please share any thoughts or stories that may help any of us who may tend to work excessively.

Next week, we will discuss how to live our desired, more fulfilled, and purposeful life.

Thank you…Fritz