National Workaholics Day: Are you a workaholic?

July 5th is National Workaholics Day.

The definition of a workaholic is a person who compulsively works hard and long hours, according to encyclopedia.com.

Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," says that some of the most common symptoms of workaholism are: thinking of ways to free up more time to work, spending more time working than you initially intended, putting work before hobbies and exercise, and working so much it takes a toll on your health.

Addiction.com, a website which helps individuals find treatment options for different types of addictions, includes these descriptions of a typical workaholic:

- Pressure from boss to bring in results and yourself to deliver

- Constantly thinking about work

- Taking work home with you

- Lack of pleasure from personal life

- Being impatient with others who do not share your work priorities

Workaholics differ from people who just work hard. Workaholism is considered by psychologists to be an addiction, much like smoking, gambling, binge eating, and drug addiction.

Working is the driving force in a true workaholic's life. They are likely to be distant from family and friends, overlook health problems, and take little or no pleasure in leisure activities.

Symptoms derived from workaholism include anger, depression, anxiety, stomachaches, and headaches, according to webmd.com.

Some of the ways to overcome addiction are to learn how to delegate work to others and reconnect with family. Oftentimes, a workaholic is so consumed with their job that they miss school activities, meals with their families, and social outings. Addiction.com also notes that disconnecting from work is important in order to take time to relax and create more balance in your life.

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