Workaholics Anonymous: Vacation Guilt

Do you ever feel guilty for taking time off?  I could be the only one, but I doubt it 😊 .  Vacation guilt is only one of many symptoms of being a workaholic.  Other signs you need to chill out include:

• Not taking time off in the first place
• Thinking something will go wrong with the business/team if you are not working
• Constantly checking work emails on your days off
• Calling or emailing the office to make sure everything is ok
• Not being fully present with your family or friends in your personal or vacation time
• Your spouse and/or kids say you work too much
• You have health issues you are not dealing with
• You don’t get physicals or dental check-ups regularly because you “don’t have time”
• You don’t exercise because you “don’t have time”
• You feel overwhelmed by the number of things you have to do
• You always feel behind like you are trying to get caught up
• You are neglecting things that need to be done at home because you are always working
• You miss/forget your kids’ and/or spouse’s events or milestones
• You only talk about work

How many of these sound familiar?  If any of the above apply to you, it might be a good idea to re-evaluate your priorities and try some of the following:

• Schedule and participate in quality time with family and friends with NO PHONE, NO EMAILS, and NO MENTION OF WORK.
• Schedule time to exercise and do it regularly. Start with short periods of time (15-30 minutes) and do it first thing in the morning.
• Go on a short walk on a trail and observe nature. Focus on being fully present and experience your surroundings with all of your senses.
• Take time to be good to yourself. Get a massage, sit in a hot tub, enjoy your favorite food, or engage in your favorite NON-WORK activity as a few examples.
• LAUGH! Engage with your family/friends by playing a fun game, watching a funny movie, going to a comedy show, or just talking about good times.  Even watch cartoons!  You will be glad you did.
• Journal daily to reflect and clear your mind.
• Meditate at least 3 times per week.
• Read something relaxing for 30 minutes.
• PRAY.

We all have a purpose/dream in life, but stress to the point of anxiety or depression should not be part of the plan!  Why work hard for success and then not enjoy the journey and results?  We should be just as attentive to our personal well-being and relationships as we are to our business goals and dreams.  It is very hard to have a fulfilling life without good health, supportive and pleasant relationships, and fun experiences.

Try a few of the above strategies and let us know how they impacted you!

Peace and joy!