7 Ways to Be a Stress Free Workaholic

I have returned from my blogging hiatus only after some long searching and forgotten passwords to receive my AP Lit blog from high school. Although now I will not be blogging about classic novels and works, Ernest Hemmingway, or Hamlet, I have switched my attention to social media. To me, social media is kind of like our literature of today, giving us insights and connections as to what it is like living in the 21st century.

While I was on LinkedIn today, a professional social media tool, I came across an interesting article from the company Inc titled "7 Ways to Be a Stress Free Workaholic". I read into it because for a while now I have had the intuition that I'm going to be a crazy workaholic in my career. So I gave the article a try and found some great tips:

1. Work your tail off when you have to, not when you don't: this is basically saying that business comes in spurts. It's ok to work your tail off when you're busy but it's important that when you are slower, to take time for yourself and actually breathe a little.

2. Learn to give up--sort of: when you're getting frustrated and nothing is going right or the juices just aren't flowing, sometimes it's a good idea just to quit. Somethings aren't meant for everybody so it doesn't necessarily mean you will succeed at everything. That doesn't mean, however, quitting right away. Giving up something should only come when you've hit the end of the road, when you have tried everything possible to make what you want happen.

3. Strategize and plan: instead of getting caught up in the craziness of everyday life, sometimes it's a good idea to step back and gain some perspective. This could mean individually or in a team. Say your project is stuck on coming up with ideas, take your group out for dinner! Most of the time when you are relaxed and when the environment is relaxed is when the best ideas are made.

4. Mix business with pleasure: I think this has a lot to do with the person job fit. It's important that your values match the values of the company you are working for. Always aim toward your passion and you'll usually be a lot happier. And work doesn't have to be work all the time. Incorporating fun activities into your work will make the whole experience a lot more interesting.

5. Don't leave things for the last minute: everyone knows this one and yet it continues to be one of the hardest tasks people struggle with. You'll be amazed by how helpful it is to get started on an assignment early or even getting to the airport a couple hours earlier. The more time you create for yourself, the less stressed out you will be.

6. Don't take it out on others: pick an outlet that does not involve you taking your frustrations out on other people. That is the worst way to de-motivate your team and eventually end up very lonely. Instead, it is good to give constant motivation and empower people to make them want to work to the best of their abilities. Everyone will be happier that way.

7. Lots of outlets work--pick one or two: think of all the things out there to help you get through your work day- red bulls, 5 hour energy shots, coffee, even medicines. Using these occasionally can help you to get through those busy times but if you rely on them too much, you'll run yourself dry. Instead choose an outlet that is better for your body, like exercise. Personally, I like to do yoga in my free time not only because it is great on your body but also because it gives me a moment to breathe and focus on myself.

I'm really glad I came across this article because it gave me a few places to focus on when I'm feeling too stressed out. This will help me in school but hopefully down the road from now when I start my career. Hopefully this can help you too!