How Overworking Can Be Detrimental to Your Wellbeing
Whether employed or self-employed, many people now feel pressure to be constantly available.
Emails, messages, calls, and notifications blur the boundaries between work and personal life. What once felt like flexibility has, for many, turned into an expectation to always be “on”.
Over time, this constant availability can take a serious toll — not just on productivity, but on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
The Impact of an “Always Available” Work Culture
Technology has made communication easier — but it has also made switching off harder.
Phrases like “this won’t take long” or “sorry to message late” often signal interruptions that eat into personal time and recovery. Without boundaries, these moments accumulate, leading to stress and resentment.
Learning to separate work time from personal time isn’t indulgent — it’s essential.
How Overworking Affects the Body
The body often gives warning signs when stress becomes too much.
Common physical symptoms associated with overworking include:
Persistent aches in the neck, shoulders, or back
Frequent headaches or migraines
Constant fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Digestive discomfort or nausea
Low energy and lethargy
These symptoms should never be ignored. If they persist, it’s important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional.
How Overworking Affects Mental Wellbeing
Mental strain often appears more subtly — and can be harder to recognise.
Potential signs include:
Low mood or increased anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Reduced motivation or enjoyment
Feeling detached or overwhelmed
Persistent negative thinking
Unchecked, prolonged stress can lead to more serious mental health challenges.
Recognising the Need for Change
Coping mechanisms such as excessive screen time, shopping, alcohol, or avoidance behaviours can temporarily numb stress — but they don’t resolve the underlying issue.
The first step towards change is awareness.
Taking time to assess what’s causing pressure, what feels unsustainable, and what boundaries are missing can bring clarity and control back into your working life.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Wellbeing
Small changes can make a meaningful difference:
Set clear work boundaries
Define working hours and protect downtime where possible.Communicate expectations
Let colleagues, clients, and family know when you are — and aren’t — available.Reflect regularly
Journalling or note-taking can help identify stress triggers and patterns.Focus on what can change now
Not everything is immediate, but some adjustments can be made quickly.Talk to someone you trust
Sharing how you feel often brings perspective and support.
When to Seek Support
If work pressure begins to feel unmanageable, seeking help is a sign of strength — not failure.
Support is available, and reaching out can make a significant difference.
Below are trusted UK organisations offering confidential support:
Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7)
SANEline – 0300 304 7000
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652
CALM – 0800 58 58 58
The Mix (Under 25s) – 0808 808 4994
Papyrus HOPELINE247 (Under 35s) – 0800 068 4141
Mind – for local services and information
If you’re outside the UK, Befrienders Worldwide can help locate support in your country.
Final Thoughts
Work should support life — not consume it.
Protecting wellbeing isn’t about doing less; it’s about working in a way that’s sustainable, healthy, and aligned with what matters most.
You deserve balance, rest, and support.
If workload, boundaries, or operational pressure are contributing to stress, practical support with admin or operations can help reduce the burden — without adding more pressure.
Support should create breathing space, not more expectations.