Do you find yourself working all the time? Do you feel like you can never take a break? Do you find yourself struggling to balance work and personal time? You're not alone. Many people struggle with this balancing act.

But there are some of us who truly never take a break, who must stay busy, and scoff at balance. If this sounds familiar, you may be what we lovingly call…a workaholic. While there are benefits to being a hard worker—and dedication and commitment to your career is never a bad thing—too much of anything can be harmful.

I’ve been working with many successful executives and leaders who struggle paying attention to the personal sides of their lives. They come to me looking for solutions because they are feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are unmanageable.

The reality for them…and for us all…is this: we can back off work and still be successful. Here’s how.

Recognize the signs.

If you're a workaholic, you may not even realize it. You may think that working long hours and taking on extra projects is just part of your dedication to your job. But if you're starting to feel like you can't balance your work and personal life, it's time to take a step back and assess your situation. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself:

Do you often find yourself working even when you're not on the clock?
Do you have difficulty taking time off from work, even for vacations or personal days?
Are you constantly checking your work email?
Do you feel like you must be "on" all the time?
Do you find yourself neglecting your personal relationships because of work?
Do you feel like you can't say no, even if it's outside of your job description?
Do you feel guilty or anxious when you're not working?
Do you have trouble delegating tasks?

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become a workaholic. With always-on technology and a culture of constant hustle, it's hard to find time to relax and recharge. However, burnout is real, and it can have serious consequences for your physical and mental health.

Understand the consequences.

Working too much can have serious side effects on your health, relationships, and overall well-being. If you find yourself working more than you'd like, it's important to take steps to find a better balance. Here are some of the potential side effects of working too much:

Burnout. If you're working more hours than you can handle, you may be at risk for burnout. Burnout can cause physical and mental exhaustion, as well as feelings of cynicism and detachment. If you're experiencing symptoms of burnout, it's important to take a step back and make some changes in your work habits.
Physical and mental health decline. If you're not getting enough rest and sitting for long periods of time, you may be more susceptible to illness and experience back pain and other problems. And, if you’re constantly under stress, you may start to experience anxiety, depression, and start to feel lonely and isolated.
Trouble concentrating. This can lead to mistakes at work and can make it difficult to complete tasks. If you're struggling to focus, take breaks throughout the day and try to keep a healthy work-life balance.
Feeling disconnected and unmotivated. When we feel like work is taking over our lives, it can lead to feelings of resentment and can make it difficult to enjoy our jobs—which often causes a decline in productivity, more mistakes, and makes it even harder to achieve our goals.
Feeling overwhelmed and not good enough. Workloads that exceed our capacity often lead to anxiety and can make it difficult to get things done—which has a direct impact on us starting to doubt our abilities. This can lead to low self-esteem and can make it difficult to succeed in your career.

Make a plan to find a better balance.

If you're finding it difficult to strike a balance between work and leisure, here are a few tips that may help:

Take a step back. What’s most important to you? Make sure that your work life is in alignment with your values.
Don’t be afraid to say no. You can't do everything, and that's okay. Learn to set boundaries, both at work and in your personal life. By finding a better balance, you'll be happier and more productive in the long run.
Make time for fun. It may seem counterintuitive, but making time for fun activities can actually help you be more productive when you are working. By taking breaks and doing things you enjoy, you can come back to your work refreshed and ready to focus.
Set boundaries. If you find yourself working all the time, it's important to set boundaries. Let your family and friends know when you are available and when you need to focus on work. This is so helpful in managing expectations and giving yourself the time you need to focus.
Prioritize your health. When you're a workaholic, it's easy to let your health fall by the wayside. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. By taking care of yourself, you'll be able to better take care of your work.
Find a hobby. A hobby can be a great way to relieve stress and give you something to look forward to outside of work. Whether it's gardening, painting, or hiking, find something that you enjoy and make time for it.

If you're a workaholic, it's important to find ways to balance your work and your life. By making time for leisure activities, setting boundaries, and taking care of your health, you can find a better balance and avoid burnout.