When people think of addictions, their mind often goes to drugs and alcohol, but this isn’t the only type of addiction. Extension addictions are an increasingly common problem, specifically for people who want to succeed in the business world, whether it be as entrepreneurs, in corporate settings, or on any other kind of career track.
Extension addictions are marked by individuals who use waist time on their phones, laptops, and other gadgets to extend their workday. It is not unusual to find people working long hours beyond their scheduled times, often late into the night. They tend to work on weekends, holidays, and vacations, and think their work is something of a continual project rather than an end goal.
Signs of extension addictions include being constantly glued to one’s gadgets, constantly checking work emails, never truly having ‘down’ time, and always feeling stressed out and anxious. Also, the addiction may take on different physical signs such as weight gain, strained eyes, shoulder pain, and headaches. Moreover, sufferers often have difficulty sustaining relationships due to the overwhelming nature of their obsession with work.
Extension addiction in particular can be difficult to overcome because it is often linked to a work drive that can be admirable and even beneficial. After all, it takes dedication and hard work to reach one’s goals. The problem lies in when it becomes too much, where the individual cannot disconnect from work even if they want to. It is important to understand that long hours of work don’t always translate to successful results and it can lead to burnout if not managed correctly.
The first step to overcoming extension addiction goes right back to the source: recognizing it. Once the individual has identified their struggle with addiction, they can start making changes which require small steps over larger ones. For example, they can start by unplugging from their gadgets a few minutes before bedtime, so that they can begin to draw a boundary between work and rest. They can also practice time management skills to identify what truly requires their attention and what can wait. Additionally, they can strive to make in activities outside of work a priority, like having regular social gatherings or working out.
Finally, it’s also important to get the right support from reliable sources, whether it’s from a counsellor, medical advice, or even from friends. Although it may be hard to let go of control and ask someone for help, it can ultimately lead to a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Extension addictions can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that there are options available to work towards recovery. By understanding the addiction, creating boundaries, and getting the right kind of support, individuals can set themselves back on the road to optimal physical and mental health.