Do Grievers Become Workaholics?

When we are grieving feelings of inadequacy can propel us into a self-destructive behavior. Even though we may have accomplished some great things, many are still driven to do more and more.

There are times when we get too caught up in doing – in accomplishing tasks and we forget to pay attention to our real needs. By trying to keep everything under control we get even more anxious and tired.

Frenetic activities drain our energy and leave us feeling physically tired and emotionally numb. Unfortunately, there is no connection between working harder and accomplishing more. We use activity for the sake of being busy while in fact we need to also take time to play, to relax and to find our place.

Some signs of the workaholic:

• Staying late on the job
• Working on the weekends
• Always too busy
• Eats too fast
• Feels responsible to do everything
• Lonely

After we lose our loved one we need support and a social life. Hiding from our needs by becoming a workaholics just adds to our feeling of loneliness.

Alternatives to Compulsive Busyness:

• Go for a walk
• Dance in your living to your favorite tunes
• Read a good book
• Take a long bath with lots of bubbles
• Plant a garden
• Learn to play an instrument
• Go to a movie with a friend
• Play with your children/grandchildren
• Go for a drive – exploring new areas
• Call an old friend