
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with bustin’ your butt at work. We’re all about the #girlboss hustle and finding your passion in your career. But there comes a point when all that intensity, paired with zero work-life balance, is actually a deterrent to your success and well-being, rather than an asset (we’re looking at you, millennials who work SUPER long hours). Workaholism is a real thing and can both come with some big consequences (hello, stress) and, researchers now believe, can be caused by some more serious non work-related issues. A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE shows that workaholics are significantly more likely to have mental health issues.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and Yale University, screened 16,426 working adults for both workaholism and psychological disorders.
To diagnose workaholics, the researchers used seven criteria like: “You think of how you can free up more time for work,” and “You become stressed if you are prohibited from working,” and asked participants to rate themselves on a scaled system. In line with previous studies, 7.8 percent of the participants qualified as workaholics. Then, researchers examined the possible links between workaholism and psychological disorders. We’re pretty shocked by their findings.
Results showed that workaholics have a way higher rate of psychological disorders like ADHD, depression, anxiety and OCD. Just look at the stark contrast between workaholics and non-workaholics:
- 32.7 percent of the workaholics met ADHD criteria, compared to 12.7 percent of non-workaholics
- 25.6 percent of workaholics met OCD criteria, while only 8.7 percent of non-workaholics shared those symptoms
- 33.8 percent of workaholics also met anxiety criteria, compared to 11.9 percent of non-workaholics
- 8.9 percent of workaholics met depression criteria, while only 2.6 percent of non-workaholics did
While these findings are helpful in identifying psychological issues within a certain demographic, the causation is still unclear. “Taking work to the extreme may be a sign of deeper psychological or emotional issues. Whether this reflects overlapping genetic vulnerabilities, disorders leading to workaholism or, conversely, workaholism causing such disorders, remains uncertain,” says lead researcher and psychologist Cecilie Schou Andreassen.
One thing’s for sure: If you’re overworking to the point that you’re constantly missing out on social events or other things you generally enjoy, you may want to ask yourself if you’re just hustlin’, or if there are some emotional factors at play.
Looking for ways to de-stress at work? Check us out on Pinterest!
(Photo via Getty)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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