About work

Work is an activity that is done in order to earn money.

Addiction to work, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes work addiction?

No, work addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “work addiction”?

Work addiction is a condition in which a person becomes obsessed with work and cannot stop thinking about it. They may work long hours and neglect their personal life in order to meet deadlines or achieve goals. Work addiction can lead to burnout and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

What is considered work addiction?

There are a few key criterias to use when diagnosing a work addiction. First, the individual must be preoccupied with work to the point that it interferes with their daily life. Second, the individual must continue to work despite negative consequences, such as neglecting their personal life or health. Finally, the individual must feel anxious or restless when they are not working.

How much work is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on individual circumstances. Some people may feel that they are working too much if they are regularly putting in long hours, while others may be more comfortable with a more demanding work schedule. It is important to find a balance that works for you and to make sure that you are still able to enjoy your free time.

Some work addiction facts & statistics

There is no definitive answer to this question as it is difficult to measure the prevalence of work addiction due to the lack of a standard definition. However, a 2008 study by the American Psychiatric Association found that 8.3% of Americans met the criteria for workaholism.

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Is the work addiction widespread?

Yes, there are many people who are addicted to work, also known as workaholics. Work addiction is a behavioral addiction, which means that individuals become so consumed by their work that it begins to negatively impact their personal life, relationships, and overall well-being. Workaholics may feel a constant need to work, even during their leisure time, and may experience anxiety or guilt when they are not working. It is important for individuals who are struggling with work addiction to seek help and establish a healthy work-life balance.

Why is work so addictive?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences work differently. Some people may find work addictive because it provides them with a sense of purpose or a way to feel productive, while others may find it addicting due to the social interaction or the feeling of accomplishment it provides. It is important to figure out what aspect of work is most appealing to you in order to find a job that is a good fit.

Possible causes of work dependency

There is no single cause of work addiction. However, work addiction may be more likely to develop in people who have certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, or who live in cultures that value workaholism.

Additionally, people who have jobs that are high-stress or that offer little control over their work schedule may be more prone to work addiction.

Signs & Symptoms of work addiction

Now let’s see if you have the work addiction problem.

• 1. You work more hours than you are contracted to work.
• 2. You take work home with you.
• 3. You skip lunch breaks and work through them.
• 4. You forego personal and social engagements in order to work.
• 5. You are always thinking about work, even when you are not at work.
• 6. You feel guilty when you are not working.
• 7. Your work life is causing you stress and impacting your health.

What are some benefits of work

There are many pros and advantages of work, but some of the most notable ones include the following:

• 1. Work provides us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• 2. It helps us pay the bills and support our families.
• 3. Work gives us a sense of accomplishment and pride.
• 4. It can help us build character and discipline.
• 5. Work can provide us with social and networking opportunities.

But at the opposite, what can be some work addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

The effects of work on health are both physical and mental.

Physical effects can include:

– Musculoskeletal problems from lifting, carrying or repetitive movements

– Stress from deadlines, long hours or difficult working conditions

– Exposure to hazardous materials or conditions

Mental effects can include:

– Stress from deadlines, long hours or difficult working conditions

– boredom or monotony from doing the same thing every day

– burnout from too much responsibility or pressure

work and sleep disorder

Yes, work-related stress or shift work can lead to sleep disorders or sleep problems. Stressful work situations can cause anxiety and worry, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep at night. Shift work can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Long work hours and irregular schedules can also cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. It is important for individuals to prioritize their sleep and establish healthy sleep habits, such as setting a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and creating a sleep-conducive environment.

work affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of work on your brain

• 1. Working too much can lead to burnout.
• 2. Working too much can make you less productive.
• 3. Working too much can lead to mistakes.
• 4. Working too much can cause stress.
• 5. Working too much can lead to health problems.

Some effects of work on your mental health

• 1. Work can cause stress and anxiety.
• 2. Work can cause depression.
• 3. Work can lead to burnout.
• 4. Work can make you feel isolated and lonely.
• 5. Work can cause you to lose motivation.

Does work cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, work can cause stress and anxiety for many people. Factors such as job insecurity, high workload, long working hours, difficult relationships with coworkers or bosses, and low job satisfaction can all contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Additionally, some jobs may require a high level of responsibility or involve exposure to traumatic events, which can also lead to stress and anxiety. It is important to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in the workplace and take steps to manage them, such as seeking support from colleagues or a mental health professional, practicing stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness or exercise, and setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance.

Can work addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, work addiction can lead to sadness and depression. Workaholics often prioritize work over other aspects of their life, such as relationships, hobbies, and self-care. This can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to feelings of sadness and depression.

Additionally, work addiction can cause chronic stress and burnout, which are also linked to depression. It’s important for individuals who are struggling with work addiction to seek help and make changes to their work-life balance to improve their mental health.

Dopamine and work

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in motivation, reward, and pleasure. When we engage in activities that we find enjoyable, such as completing a challenging task, dopamine is released in our brain, leading to a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure. This release of dopamine can also serve as a motivator to continue engaging in the activity.

In the context of work, dopamine can play a significant role in our motivation to complete tasks and achieve goals. When we accomplish a task at work, our brain releases dopamine, which can reinforce the behavior and motivate us to continue working. This can lead to a sense of satisfaction and happiness, which can further improve our productivity and job satisfaction.

However, it is important to note that dopamine is not the only factor that motivates us at work. Other factors such as our sense of purpose, autonomy, and connection with colleagues can also play a crucial role in our motivation and job satisfaction.

work effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Yes, work can affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance in several ways. Here are some examples:

• 1. Stress: If the work is too demanding or stressful, it can affect focus and attention span, leading to decreased productivity and poor academic performance.
• 2. Fatigue: If the workload is too heavy or the work hours are too long, it can lead to fatigue, which can affect productivity and focus.
• 3. Distractions: If the work environment is noisy or there are constant interruptions, it can affect focus and attention span, leading to decreased productivity.
• 4. Motivation: If the work is not motivating or challenging enough, it can lead to boredom, which can affect productivity and academic performance.
• 5. Time management: Poor time management can lead to procrastination, which can affect productivity and academic performance.

Overall, work can have a significant impact on one’s focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance, and it’s important to find a balance between work and other aspects of life to maintain optimal performance.

A word about ADHD and work

Yes, people with ADHD often interact with work differently than those without ADHD. Some common differences include:

• 1. Difficulty with focus and attention: People with ADHD may find it challenging to maintain focus on a given task or project for extended periods. This can lead to procrastination, frequent breaks, and difficulty completing tasks.
• 2. Hyperfocus: While people with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus on less stimulating tasks, they may also experience periods of intense concentration and hyperfocus on tasks that interest them.
• 3. Impulsivity: People with ADHD may be more impulsive in their decision-making, which can lead to taking risks or making quick decisions without fully considering the consequences.
• 4. Time management: People with ADHD may struggle with time management, leading to difficulty prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing their workload.
• 5. Creativity: People with ADHD may bring a unique perspective and creative problem-solving skills to the workplace due to their ability to think outside the box.

Overall, individuals with ADHD may require accommodations or personalized strategies to help them thrive in the workplace.

affecting your relationships

work and self-esteem

Work can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem. Here are some ways in which work can affect self-esteem:

• 1. Achievement: Work can provide a sense of accomplishment and achievement. When an individual completes a task or project successfully, it can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
• 2. Recognition: Recognition and positive feedback from colleagues and supervisors can also boost self-esteem.
• 3. Financial stability: Work can provide financial stability which can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to an increase in self-esteem.
• 4. Social interaction: Work can provide an opportunity for social interaction and connection with others, which can also boost self-esteem.
• 5. Job satisfaction: If an individual is satisfied with their job and feels that they are making a meaningful contribution, it can positively impact their self-esteem. On the other hand, if they are unhappy with their job or feel unfulfilled, it can negatively impact their self-esteem.

Overall, work can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem, both positively and negatively. It is essential to find a job that aligns with one’s values, strengths, and interests to maximize the positive impact on self-esteem.

work addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, work addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to their work, they may prioritize their job over socializing and spending time with loved ones. This can cause them to withdraw from social activities and relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Additionally, work addiction can cause a person to spend long hours at work, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, which can further contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Effects of work on your relationship

Positive effects of work on your relationship:

• 1. Financial stability: Work provides financial stability which can reduce stress and conflicts in a relationship caused by financial problems.
• 2. Shared goals: Working together towards shared goals can strengthen a relationship and create a sense of teamwork.
• 3. Time apart: Work can also provide a healthy amount of time apart, which can help maintain individuality and prevent co-dependency.
• 4. Mutual respect: Working allows partners to witness each other’s skills, accomplishments, and work ethic which can lead to increased mutual respect and admiration.

Negative effects of work on your relationship:

• 1. Time constraints: Work can create time constraints that can limit the amount of time couples spend together, leading to feelings of neglect and disconnection.
• 2. Stress: Work-related stress can spill over into a relationship, causing conflicts, irritability, and reduced intimacy.
• 3. Imbalance: Work can create an imbalance in a relationship, where one partner’s career takes priority over the other’s, leading to resentment and feelings of inadequacy.
• 4. Burnout: Overworking can lead to burnout, leaving little energy for a relationship and causing partners to feel emotionally and physically distant.

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Finally you think you are addicted to work and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for work?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your work addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the work addiction

• 1. Recognize that you have a problem.
• 2. Understand what triggers your work addiction.
• 3. Make a plan to change your behavior.
• 4. Seek help from a therapist or counselor.
• 5. Join a support group for workaholics.

Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including work:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of work

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your work accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge