"National Workaholics Day" Is July 5

Source: Social Squares, used with permission and purchase

Did you know that July 5th is "National Workaholics Day"? Yes, it’s actually a thing. And if you’re reading this and identifying with that name, chances are, you’re not alone. In fact, 48 percent of Americans call themselves “workaholics,” at least according to a 2019 New York Post article.

You may be wondering: Why July 5th? Well, typically July 4th is a day of fun, food, and family and we’re in the thick of summer. If you can’t take a break now, when can you? The holiday falling on July 5th is meant to serve as a reminder that it’s OK to rest beyond just a national holiday. If you have the day off, give yourself permission to enjoy it.

Signs that You May Be a Workaholic

• Constantly checking your phone: If you can’t set the phone down or you’re thinking about your emails when you’re away from the phone, that’s something to pay attention to. Many people who struggle to disconnect from work even check their phone in the middle of the night—in fact, 66 percent of us admit to doing this.
• You’re working well beyond office hours: If you’re frequently first to arrive, last to leave, and work through lunch, this is an indication that you may be working more than you need to.
• Family and friends may be giving feedback that they feel disconnected from you: If you’re hearing from loved ones that they feel frustrated that you’re “never at dinner,” that you missed another birthday, or they just stop inviting you all together, this can be an indication that workaholism may be at play.
• You even work on national holidays: If you plan to work on the 4th (or 5th) of July, even though your office is closed—that might be your indicator right there.

Source: Social Squares: used with purchase and permission

The Real Downsides to Being a Workaholic

Not only do people who work excessively have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes—if you identify as a workaholic, you're also upping the risk that you’ll experience depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Workaholism is an incredibly vicious cycle, especially in regard to your social relationships. Workaholics can feel more disconnected and have fewer friendships because they don’t invest as much time in their relationships.

Take the 4th of July, for example. You may not have gotten invited to that backyard BBQ because you haven’t interacted with friends in a while, so you just work instead. This pattern continues and worsens over time as you devote less time and energy to your personal relationships.

Furthermore, overworking doesn’t make much of a difference anyway. Overworking is defined as working more than 50 hours per week and people who work those hours only make 6 percent more than people who work reasonable schedules, on average (Headlee, 2020).

What You Can Do About It

• Set boundaries and step away from that phone. This is actually going to feel really uncomfortable at first because checking the phone momentarily alleviates anxiety. Stick with it and embrace the discomfort.
• You’re also going to need to re-condition those around you that you won’t be working as much—because chances are, they’ve come to expect that they can reach you any time of day.
• Let family and friends know that you want to re-prioritize your life. They’ll help hold you accountable and can encourage you to readjust when you’re falling back into your workaholic ways.

When You Have a Workaholic In Your Life

• Communicate how you feel. Workaholics may not realize how their absence is impacting their loved ones.
• Offer some activities where you can’t be on the phone. This might be a painting class, going kayaking, or playing a game of tennis together.
• Have boundaried time: Whether it’s during meals, when you’re going on walks, or when you’re waking up in the morning, agree that the phone will stay in its place during those times.

So if you’re reading this going into the holiday weekend, allow yourself to truly rest. Don’t worry, the work will still be there Tuesday. Savor precious moments with family and friends (and good food) and remember to live in alignment with your values. If you value rest, self-care, and balance, then it’s alright to take a breather.