The urge we get to overachieve or overwork ourselves is common and understandable, especially during times like this. Everyone wants a piece of success. Everybody wants to achieve and see themselves flourish, but what happens when you overdo it or you feel like you have been working a ton with no result?
We as workers, students, self-employees, or whatever stance you have feel more uncertain and insecure and tend to strive harder than smarter. It feels as though our lives depend on our careers and on our future, which is not wrong to build a strong working mind and to build your future successfully, but at times we need to relax and think, “are we working harder or are we working smarter?”.
The saying “work smarter, not harder” was not implemented for “lazy” people. In fact, working in a smarter manner and having your day and thoughts organized will allow you to work much more efficiently with the results that you are striving for. The amount of stress you have should not define the value of your work. You could have a huge project due in a week and, if you stress out and work as hard as you can day and night, you would have burn yourself out by the time of the submission. Stressing out and getting frustrated over something that you have full control over will take a huge toll on your mental health and impact you negatively. You may feel as if there is no such thing as free time and as if your entire life depends on this one task. Finding a job or a passion you are dedicated to and enjoy is great, but setting a boundary between work and enjoyment can be quite difficult to some, as some may get lost between what is work and what is fun.
Overworking comes in many forms, whether you are an overachiever or you tend to pull an all-nighter to perfect a project. Oftentimes, university students witness some sort of competition towards each other – who stayed up the latest at night working or who studied the hardest for an exam. This sets toxic boundaries towards each other and normalizes unhealthy habits.
However, we tend to find a purpose, comfort, and a fueling passion in working hard and overachieving either to make money, get a raise, or even obtain higher grades. However, as individuals who live in fast-paced world, we have come to grow as a society and push our mental and physical health to provide our needs to feel satisfied. When you are stuck between overworking and feeling satisfied with your work, you tend to not get that satisfaction unless someone praises you for the amount of hard work you put into something. Often, when we do not get that praise, it turns into a never-ending cycle of working harder and harder and feeling unsatisfied.
What Overworking Can Look Like
Psychology says that the difference between someone who is a “workaholic” versus someone who is a “hard worker”include being emotionally stable enough to be around friends, family, and others while having that security to take breaks and not worry about meeting an unrealistic goal they set up. With that being said, workaholics tend to constrain themselves and tend to constantly internalize chaos. They feel as though they should be in control of every situation and complete tasks in the way they believe to be best. On the other hand, hard workers may find a bit of time to release themselves from overworking but tend to also constantly worry about their goals being reached.
Ways to Stop Overworking Yourself
- Work Mindfully and Avoid Multitasking
Focus on one thing at a time. Working on one thing at a time will decrease procrastination and will allow you to work at your fullest potential. Focus on the work you started, rather than stressing over future projects or past mistakes.
- Find Balance
Figure out what is healthy for you in your work and school life. Balance out your tasks and stay consistent. Be compassionate about what you are doing without being so hard on and judging yourself.
- Set Boundaries while Taking Breaks
Taking breaks is okay, as long as you are not over procrastinating and leaving tasks to the last minute. However, it is best to take breaks engaging in relaxing activities that clear your mind. Set boundaries around your capabilities – what you can do and are willing to achieve in the moment. Do not start working on something when you are tired or when you do not feel like working. These breaks and boundaries will allow you to work efficiently.
- Block off Time for Yourself and Your Relationships
Make sure that you are getting plenty of time to focus on your physical and mental well-being through exercising, doing hobbies you enjoy, therapy, and other activities that you like. Make time for yourself and those around you. Give your friends and family your full attention and care.
- Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Think about why you are overworking yourself and how that can be fixed. Ask yourself if you are trying to avoid a personal problem in your life that is causing you to fill that void by constantly overworking. Feel free to reach out to someone your trust to ask for help. It is okay to allow others in to help you and ease some tension away from you.