The holidays in the States are a reason to come together with family and pie and be thankful
for what you have, like pie, and take a break and have some pie.
If you choose work over that something must be wrong with your brain.
Hi knowledge junkies, Julian here for DNews.
Americans are a people who take pride in their work ethic.
We’re a nation of builders, doers, dreamers, makers, entrepreneurs, cliches!
But to quote the philosopher Strong Bad, too much of a good thing is an awesome thing.
But too much of an awesome thing is really really dumb and bad.
Workaholism is a loosely defined term right now but the general consensus is it boils
down to being literally addicted to your work.
Although as a grammarholic I feel the need to point out it should be an addiction to
workahol.
A recent meta analysis of the trait in the Journal of Management shows that while some
may wear being a workaholic as a badge of honor, it’s actually doing you more harm
than good.
Workaholics are more likely to skip meals, are more stressed, have worse physical health,
and end up burned out on their job much sooner.
And you’re not even being more productive to boot.
Dr. Brian E Robinson, author of Chained to the Desk, says workaholics tend to get less
done because they take on too much work, don’t delegate, and are often more disorganized
than their coworkers.
Melissa Clark, the lead author of the meta analysis, does make a distinction between
workaholism and working more because you enjoy your job.
People who work hard because they love what they do don’t have any of the negative outcomes
their counterparts do.
And they can still step away from their work without feeling guilt or shame.
Of course the benefit of working more hours is more pay, so is that why people end up
skipping vacations and staying late?
Is it really an addiction to money?
According to the meta analysis, that’s not it.
People who are workaholics tend to be perfectionists or type A personalities; they do it because
they have an internal need they need to satisfy.
Just like how an addict has cravings.
So don’t overwork yourself; take a break, step outside, have a cigarette.
I want to be completely clear, that was a joke.
Do not smoke.
Does that really need to be said?
Anyway, this all comes back to the holiday season.
Right now a lot of people have the choice of working through the holidays or seeing
loved ones.
Remember, according to science, taking time off will not only make you mentally and physically
healthier, but you’ll be a better worker when you get back.
So relax.
See your family.
Have some pie.
If you’re like me and oh my god just love pie, Tara and Anthony explain why it’s awesome
in all it’s forms here.
Can addictions be healthy?
I want to know your thoughts.
Tell us in the comments, and I’ll see you next time on DNews.