Stress In Banking WORKAHOLIC...equals...STRESS

Experts tell us there are six important areas in our lives-

Family life
Intellectual life
Physical life
Social life
Spiritual life
Work life

In order to be perfectly balanced we should strive for satisfying each area.

Obviously if one area receives more than its share of attention, the other areas must suffer from neglect. Lets look at just one of these?the Work life.

There are some danger signs when the work life takes over instead of being just one part of your whole life. Are any of these signs recognizable?

Working late?which should or can be an occasional event. Has it become the rule-not the exception?

Health problems?such as headaches, backaches, "tight" muscles in the neck and shoulder area, stomach problems, fatigue. (Funny, but you never noticed before that you had these problems. That's probably because you never had them before work took over your life, with its accompanying stress.)

Spinning wheels?where you used to feel you made a difference. Now it seems that no matter how hard you try, you just can't complete things, or get that feeling of satisfaction of accomplishment.

Inability to concentrate?on the job at hand, or even when you take some time out. You find yourself watching TV but thinking about work. And TV shows and comedians are not as funny as they used to be. As a matter of fact, you can't remember the last time you had a really good laugh.

Fight more at home?with your children, or your spouse.

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBE what is happening in your life, it may be you need to make some changes. You no longer have the balance you need to give you a feeling of happiness or contentment.

In the world we live in, it is not possible to reach a perfect balance in all areas of our lives. But if you totally disregard any one area for too long, it will lead to stress and its accompanying symptoms. We should try to achieve at least a measure of balance.

For instance, on at least two days a week, leave work on time-even if you aren't finished!

Be conscious of the other areas of your life that need attention. You might take a brisk walk two times during the week (Physical area); sit down and share dinner with your spouse and/or children one night (Family area); have lunch with friends, or plan a visit or movie with them one evening (Social area); read a book, or watch a stimulating program that will stretch your mind (Intellectual area); go to church, or spend some time with a volunteer group helping others (Spiritual area).

Be aware that by concentrating all your efforts and talents to the work area of your life, you are risking damaging your physical and psychological health. And you are risking losing your relationship with your family and friends. You are worth more "on the job" if your life is well rounded and happy. And, as a bonus, your stress level will go down all by itself!

Copyright © 1990 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 1, No. 5, 5/90