Do You Work Too Much?

Succeeding in academia - college, graduate school, and on the tenure track, is all about producing. Keeping on task and being productive are critical to surviving and thriving in academia. But the pressure to stay on top of academicl obligations can overwhelm and send even the best student to develop unhealthy work habits. Believe it or not, it is possible to work too much. What are the signs of over-work?

• Not taking breaks
• Missing meals
• Working at night
• Working all weekend
• Cutting back or missing out on social activities
• Not getting enough sleep
• Waking exhausted each morning
• Never turning your computer off
• Skipping showers
• Skipping workouts
• Irritation
• Mood swings
• Incessant snacking and weight gain
• Weight loss
• Family and friends remarking on your work habits and lack of availability
• Most of your conversations center around school and your research
• Not engaging in hobbies
• Finding it hard to simply relax without thinking about your work

Are any of these familiar? If so you may be working too hard. No, the solution isn't to slack off. However, you'll be healthier, happier, and even more productive if you take time off regularly - each day. Why is working too much bad for you? To make light of it: You'll fry your brain! Without taking regular intervals of time off you'll ultimately be less productive.

Stop Your Unhealthy Work Habits
Schedule breaks. Schedule an end time for each work period. And stick to your schedule. You may not want to stop working when you're on a roll, but it will be easier to get in the groove again later if you stop half-way through a task.

Make a list of all that you have to do. Then create a schedule. Make sure it is realistic. Don't try to do too much at once as it will set you up for failure. You'll feel perpetually behind and will be tempted to work non-stop. Schedule time for family, friends, hobbies, exercise, and alone time.

During your off-time it will be difficult to not think about your work at first, but do your best to focus on the task at hand and you'll find yourself feeling refreshed afterwards. Take at least several evenings and one day off each week. You'll be mentally fresh and ready to do some of your best work. Taking time off is not slacking - it's healthy.