We deal with our trauma differently. Treatment for trauma includes a wide variety of therapies, activities, and healing modalities for this reason. Every single person who experiences trauma experiences it differently, from the actual event itself to the way they cope with it. Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder and some develop symptoms that resemble it. Oftentimes, trauma can be hidden or dealt with through other coping behaviors that make up a ‘normal’ or less-than-normal lifestyle. Workaholism is one of the ways many people cope with their trauma. Throwing themselves into work, people who have experienced trauma can ignore what has happened to them. Workaholics find themselves in high-pressure and highly important work positions, placing lots of responsibility on themselves in order to stay as busy as possible. Even with families, friends, and extracurricular activities, a workaholic prioritizes their work life because they need to be involved in their work life. If they aren’t distracted and indulging in work, they might have to confront their trauma and feel their feelings. This, of course, could lead to a distraction from or an inability to perform at work.
Treatments for workaholics are not as widely discussed as other coping behaviors. However, recent research found that meditation might be one of the most effective ways to help workaholics. The University of Derby performed the first controlled study that looked at meditation as a means for treating workaholism, according to Medical XPress. The article defines workaholism as “a form of behavioral addiction that can lead to reduced life and job satisfaction, anxiety, burnout, conflict, and problems in the family, and low levels of work productivity.” Another way to describe a workaholic is someone who “is compulsively obsessed with work” the article explains.
After an eight week meditation program, participants who qualified as workaholics found that their symptoms reduced by 26 percent. In addition, the amount that they worked on the weekends, in the evenings, and after hours reduced by 28 percent.
The meditation program, called Meditation Awareness Training, is a mindfulness intervention. Sitting meditation, walking meditation, and working meditation were all part of the program, as well as lectures, guided mindfulness, and other program components. Overall, the reduction in symptoms was impressive since it was the first study of its kind conducted.
At The Guest House Ocala, you will be met with open arms, welcoming you where you are, how you are. Our private residential treatment programs are individually designed to help you heal from trauma, addictions, and related issues. Come transform your life from the past for a brighter future. Call us today for information on our concierge style accommodations: 1-855-483-7800