All that is wrong with working overtime!

If you feel like work is consuming your life, you’re not alone. Most people spend approximately 40 to 50 hours each week minimum as that is the average limit. Some spend more, some may spend less but counting these hours is deceiving. There lie other factors which can lead to burnout and put you out of commission forever.

Hence, it may be rather useful to tune into your body and relax. Watch out for the moment you can’t enjoy your time off of work. If work’s all-consuming, it’s not healthy.

You turn to intoxicants and/or drugs for relaxation

Working more than 40 hours per week can make you more likely to consume intoxicants or divulge in drugs that have adverse effects on your body, not only physically but mentally as well. Some may end up finding better relaxants to help them relax and cope with the pressure of working so much which can increase the risk for life-threatening conditions.

Try this: Break means taking a break

When it’s your lunch time, break, or any such part of the day where you get a few minutes off to yourself please try to reenergize yourself by listening to your favorites songs, reading a book, dancing in the washroom, making exaggerated faces behind peoples back. These were a few among many others which I do not want to take part in discussing.

Productivity decreasing?

If you’ve increased your hours but there have no clear indications of any significant results, working overtime is most certainly decreasing your productivity. We’re not wired to be productive every minute of every day, remember that. We all need some time to ourselves.

Try this: Make a to-do list

To avoid getting overwhelmed, avoid addressing everything at once. Multitasking might actually make you get less done.

You aren’t getting enough sleep and have daytime fatigue

It’s a simple formula: Being up longer leads to less sleep and more daytime fatigue. It’s common sense. If you do not rest properly you aren’t able to work at your optimum hence there is a decrease in your work quality which encourages the school to take a stricter attitude towards students. But poor sleep doesn’t just make you grumpy. It decreases productivity while increasing your risk for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Try this: Give yourself breaks

If you are feeling sleepy, it’s always nice to take a stroll or just talk to a friend (preferably on call) which helps you relieve yourself of your issues and bring them out to the open.

Your relationships are taking a hit

Even if you have time for relationships, the stress, fatigue, and depression that you’re experiencing due to work may take a toll on them as well.

Try this: Prioritize fun stuff on your schedule

Work can stick with you after hours, especially if you’re self-employed. To decompress, include non-work activities on your to-do list, like exercise, listening to music, or time with friends.

Focus on the big picture

Progressing further in life and gaining more ground shouldn’t make you sick. If you’re working long hours with no end in sight, your boss may be able to help. Think through your accomplishments and how you’re contributing to the company and how much do you really need to contribute. Then go to your boss and bring those up. Follow that with the fact that you’re finding your work hours have taken over and you’re not as efficient.

Don’t forget that having happy, productive employees is in your company’s best interest. It helps keeps people more engaged in their work and more likely to stay and contribute as well as make the company one of the best that is.