Are You Over-Functioning?

You don't need to do it all, all of the time

We know the feeling of trying to do it all and do it well. But the reality is, doing too much might be hindering our own wellbeing. This month, we are diving into what it looks like over function, and how we can prevent this common source of burnout before it starts.

What is Over-Functioning?

Over functioning can be defined as over performing or trying to meet unrealistic expectations in various aspects of our lives

Examples of Over-Functioning

At Work - Taking on more projects than we can handle, spending all day in meetings and working after hours, missing personal obligations to meet work deadlines.

With Friends - Always taking charge of planning and organizing (even when we don’t want to), consistently putting a friend’s needs or plans ahead of our own.

With Family - Managing everyone’s household schedules, doing an unsustainable percentage of household chores, supporting extended family emotional, financially, or otherwise.
With Ourselves - Setting extremely high standards for our physical appearance, fitness, or achievements.

Symptoms of Over-Functioning:

Wanting to do our best is a good thing, but when we disregard our personal needs to work harder, perform better, and please others, it can become harmful to our own wellbeing. Over functioning for extended periods of time can lead to chronic stress, loss of sleep, and anxious thoughts. Symptoms of over-functioning can include:

At Work - You may become stressed when something new is assigned to you at work.

With Friends - You may avoid responding to messages that involve making plans or social commitments.

With Family - You may interact with others emotionally or with a shorter temper.
With Ourselves - Things you normally enjoy doing may feel like work or a chore.

How to Manage Over-Functioning:

Recognize
Identify the areas you are over functioning in your life by using the four categories above as a starting point (Personal, Social, Family, and Work.) Get specific and write down which areas you are feeling especially stressed in.

Reflect
Pick out the ONE area you feel the most stress in. This is likely where you are over functioning the most. Make a list of any responsibilities you have taken on in that area of your life. Then, reflect on why you have taken it on.

Redefine
Take time to redefine what healthier boundaries look like in this area of your life. Where can you delegate responsibilities, or say no altogether? Give yourself permission to ask for and accept help.

Remember, saying no to others can mean saying yes to your wellbeing.

Reconnect
Reconnect with small moments that spark joy and rest in your life, and prioritize them. This could look like making for a nourishing breakfast, going for a walk on your work break, or spending time with your pets.

Quick Summary:

Most of us are doing too much, and it’s causing us to feel overloaded. Learning not to overfunction is a lifelong practice, and it’s easier for some of us than others. It starts with awareness. Look around at your life for areas you could do less. Use this awareness as a "guardrail" to guide you back towards healthier habits that support your long-term wellbeing.

On the Goga is a company on the mission to make the future of work more human. We connect employers and benefit consultants with the technology, content, and data they need to build happier, healthier teams. Learn more.

BOOK A CALL