In a society that values hard work, it can be hard to tell when we're working too hard. Remember that your work life should not overshadow your personal life. If you think you are suffering from work overload, it is best to tackle this.
See the signs
Has your sleep schedule gotten worse? What about your diet – have you lost or gained weight? These could be signs that you are stressed and need to make a change. It can sometimes be difficult to see our situation objectively, so ask a trusted friend for her insights. Has she noticed a change in your behavior?
Don't do more than you can handle
The workplace can be competitive, meaning you want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to promotions. That doesn't mean you should try to impress your boss by taking on so many extra tasks that your day-to-day work suffers.
Beware of flattery
Even if your colleague tells you that you are the best at getting a job done, remember that you have your own responsibilities – being a team player doesn't mean doing everyone's work. If you think a coworker is taking advantage of you, keep an eye on their workload. If you see him on social media too often, he may not be as busy as he said.
Write a plan
When you have too many obligations, it can be easy to lose sight of the little things. Don't ask yourself, "Did I send that email?" Update your calendar with time-sensitive tasks and keep a to-do list on your desk.
Take a break It may seem counterintuitive to stop working, but a mental break helps in the long run. When you feel overwhelmed, don't let your emotions boil over. Take a ten minute break and listen to music, read an interesting article (NOT related to work), or meditate. It will help.
Talk to your boss
If your workload has become insurmountable, do something about it. Your boss won't realize there's a problem if you don't say anything. Talk to him/her before your work starts to suffer, and explain that to maintain quality you need to discuss priorities.
Check your number one priority
Find out what your main concerns are. While work is important, your number one priority should be your health, both physically and mentally. If you have trouble putting yourself first, don't be afraid to ask for an outside opinion. Make an appointment with a professional if you think you may be suffering from work addiction.
