I went to a Workaholics Anonymous Meeting
I started creating all the time, and it led to me being unable to just be still without producing. I only felt okay when I was being productive. I had no idea how to relax (honestly, I still don't).
madisontaskett.com
Who identifies with this post from @taskett? 😬
I have been burnt out in the past, that was more to do with not enjoying what I was doing and having (what felt like) no way out.
Right now I feel like I have balance and barely any stress. I really enjoy the things I'm doing, but any down time that I do have I usually end up working on something...whether it's on 'work', a side project or writing something. And if I don't do that, then I end up reading things related to work...I never read fiction. And TV shows or movies mostly feel a bit meh to me.
I admit that my kids force me to take breaks that I probably wouldn't take if they weren't around, so despite family being an obvious energy drainer, they are probably 'make me take a break' saviours too...obviously in addition to being wonderful human beings that I truly adore. ☺️
I feel the same, if I'm not working I'm thinking about work.
If I watching a movie or a TV show I really enjoy it the problem is when it ends and I go to bed and I start to overthink all the things I could have done with that time. I start to feel anxious and end up having insomnia.
Also I plan what I'm going to do on my side project during my vacation and end up working more hours.
I've burnout way to many times before that I should know better and it's better I respect a bit more my body but not enough.
Workaholics shouldn't be glorified.
Thank you for your honesty Gonelf, your story really resonated with me.
Thank you for sharing your story Rosie!
Sounds like your kids are a good influence. :) I'm glad you feel like you have balance and aren't stressed.
Haha this post is gold. I loved the part where she says she didn't consider herself a workaholic because she wasn't working enough for her standards! Sounds so relatable, when everyone calls you out for being one and you respond, no way I'm not working a lot!
My dad is a workaholic, and what I found funny was to him everyday activities like getting dinner, going for a walk, going for a swim at the beach are things that take away from his work, so basically chores that need to be completed so he can get back to work.
You think you're spending a good time out at a restaurant with him and after dinner he says, alright this food business is over let's go!
I'm seeing the same in myself now but being I'm more and more aware of it and that helps me enjoy the experience of doing other things and take it easy.
Hahaha yeah, it sounds like we had similar families growing up! I'm glad to hear you are taking steps to enjoy all the areas of your life.