Are you a workaholic? Take the 7-step test to know

Washington: You might be working harder and longer to succeed, but if you are doing so at the cost of your health, then you need to get rid of those workaholic habits.

“Many people feel like they have to push themselves to unhealthy levels in order to succeed. But high-pressure jobs and long hours take a real toll on your immediate and future health,” says George Griffing, MD, professor of internal medicine at Saint Louis University. These are the seven worst habits of workaholics, according to Griffing.

• Forgetting to relax: While some stress can be good because it keeps you alert and motivated, too much stress or chronic stress will take its toll on your body.
• Eating on the go: Between meetings, conference calls and deadlines, workaholics forget to take out time to sit down for a healthy lunch. But a good meal is exactly what a person needs to stay mentally sharp throughout the day.
• Putting off sleep for work: Even busy professionals need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Missing out on sleep can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems and poor judgment. It has also been linked to obesity.
• Not making time for exercise: Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days is very important to immediate and future health.
• Working even when sick: Many people come to work despite being ill. But there are three common sense reasons to stay home - Nobody wants your germs, you’ll be less productive and you need your rest to get better.
• Drinking: Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, liver disease and some forms of cancer.
• Skipping annual medical checkups: In order to detect problems early, prevent others from developing and get the best treatment if you have a condition, you need to know what’s going on in your body.