Have you ever been called a workaholic or a Type A personality? If you have been called this more than once, you may want to do a careful self-analysis. This personality type can actually be quite dangerous for your health and well being.

Type A individuals are typically described as impatient, time-conscious, concerned about their status, highly competitive, ambitious, business-like, aggressive, and having difficulty relaxing. They are sometimes disliked. In addition, they are addicted to stress.

Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety

Take a look at the following questions and answer them honestly.

1. Do you eat quickly, anxious about the next moment and not even really paying attention to what you’re eating? 
2. Do people often tell you to relax?
3. Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw?
4. Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
5. Are you extremely competitive?
6. Does it bother you to wait? Do you get agitated when you have to wait in line?
7. Do you usually multitask when you’re driving, talking on the telephone or watching television?
8. Do you find it extremely difficult to outsource or delegate projects, preferring instead to have total control?
9. Do you find yourself working long hours, unable to let go of constantly striving to achieve success?
10. Do you compete with everyone about everything?
11. Do you often think about other things when you’re “listening” to other people? 
12. Are you always in a hurry?
13. Do you often find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep because you’re rehashing the day’s events, an unpleasant interaction with someone or a mistake you made?
14. Do you fall into the “glass is half-full” crowd?
15. Do you believe most people are dishonest and only out for themselves?
16. Do you become easily irritated, frustrated or angry when driving?
17. Do people’s mistakes irritate you to the point of swearing at them or getting really angry?
18. Are you highly critical of yourself and others?

If you’ve answered yes to a handful of these questions, you may want to reassess your approach. Type A personalities typically live a much shorter and less fulfilling life. Some ways to help eliminate or reduce Type A tendencies are to exercise, meditate, practice positive thinking and gratitude and to make sure you spend time with friends and family – enjoy time away from work.

There’s nothing wrong with being an achiever, with setting high standards for yourself and for others. However, compassion, empathy and gratitude are also important characteristics and it’s important to create a habit of taking care of yourself. Slow down once in a while and enjoy life.