Why is working TOO HARD bad for your overall well-being?

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Friday! Welcome to today’s edition of “Mindfulness by Miles!” In these articles, I talk about topics related to work, wealth, health, and our overall well-being. My goal is to help you apply these topics so you can further improve your career without compromising your health. Today, I’ll focus on the importance of rest. Keep reading to know why working too hard is bad for your health. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Why is working TOO HARD bad for your overall well-being? In today’s fast-paced world, you might think working really hard is the best guarantee for your career advancement. After all, if you put in lots of effort, there’s a high chance that your manager or supervisor would notice you. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. Sure, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the rat race and push yourself too hard at work. The thing is, working too hard is bad not only for your productivity but also for your overall health. When you’re constantly under pressure to meet deadlines, perform at a high level, and keep up with the demands of your job, you’re putting your physical and mental well-being at risk. This can lead to feelings of burnout, depression, isolation, and even thoughts of giving up. What's more? Overworking leads to lack of time for self-care and personal growth. When you're always busy working, you won't have enough time to pursue hobbies, interests, and other activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This can make it hard to find meaning and purpose in your life, and lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and loneliness. As someone who’s been in the business and consulting industry for over 30 years now, I’ve had my fair share of experiencing negative consequences due to overworking myself. These include: Poor sleep Fatigue Irritability Difficulty concentrating Anxiety Burnout That’s why today, I highly encourage my team and clients at MBO Partners to take time to rest and relax especially during weekends. I believe it’s important that we get out of this vicious cycle of working too much yet accomplishing little, so we can work more effectively and efficiently in the long run. Are you also looking for ways to avoid working too much? If you are, check out my recommendations below! Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. One of the most important keys to maintaining a healthy work life and personal life balance is making a clear distinction between your time for work and your “me” time. This means setting specific times when you will stop working and committing to that schedule. However, the point here is not just about when you work but also how you work. One of the ways to avoid burnout and maintain your energy levels? Taking regular breaks! Stand up, stretch, go for a brisk walk, or grab a cup of coffee. I assure you, taking a few minutes off to recharge yourself will make a HUGE difference in how you feel at work. Do some stress-reduction techniques. Another important key to maintain a healthy work life and personal life balance is learning to manage your stress levels. This could involve yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness practices. These exercises will not only boost your mood and body systems but also enhance your productivity, energy levels, and concentration. Make time for social connections. Always find time to bond and catch up with your family and friends no matter how busy you are at work! As a busy person, I can confidently say that spending time with loved ones is a great way to de-stress and feel more connected to the world around me. Besides, you shouldn’t sacrifice your social life in exchange for career advancement. I personally believe that promotion will be useless if you don’t have people to celebrate it with. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, consultant, a busy professional, or just someone who wants to live a happier and healthier life, always remember that working too hard is a recipe for stress and burnout. Thankfully, there’s a way out of this vicious cycle! By: Setting clear boundaries between work time and personal time Taking regular breaks Learning to manage stress properly Making time for social connections … you’ll achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. So, don’t let your job take over your life! Instead, take control of your job and make sure you’re also taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Have a great Friday, everyone! For those of you who would like to know more of these kinds of topics, feel free to check out my other mindfulness articles here or connect with me on my LinkedIn account. Follow us on LinkedIn.