As the world of work continues to grow more demanding and time-consuming, so does the prevalence of executive burnout, and its less well-known cousin, executive addiction. Executives, once seen as the symbols of success and ambition, are increasingly at risk of becoming addicts of their own success – and of their own work.

This phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly widespread in modern corporate life, is referred to as executive addiction. Executive addiction is the idea that when success addiction has reached its highest intensity, you have crossed the line into an unhealthy relationship with work — one that can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, isolation, deficits in self-care, and ultimately, anxiety and depression.

Executive addiction is a result of the drive for success, as individuals become so driven to be successful that they ignore their own health and well-being due to a lack of work-life balance. This lack of balance often leads to physical and mental exhaustion, and behaviors such as working long hours, working weekends, a lack of healthy boundaries with work-related emails and calls, and feeling guilty when taking vacations or time off.

This sort of behavior can have serious implications on an individual’s health and wellbeing, with an increased risk of physical ailments such as heart problems, exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, studies have also found that individuals who demonstrate unhealthy work behavior (those who are addicted to work) are more likely to experience other psychological issues such as low self-esteem, feeling burned out, and feeling disconnected from friends and family.

So how can executives, as well as those in the workplace, break the cycle of executive addiction, and create better work-life balance? It’s important to recognize that executive addiction is an outgrowth of a culture in which success and hard work are held in high regard. To combat this, it’s important to understand the importance of balance in the workplace. For starters, this involves having realistic expectations for yourself and your team, creating boundaries, and taking time out for yourself.

Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that rest and recovery are incredibly beneficial, both mentally and physically. This can be achieved through taking breaks throughout the day, building in regular exercise, and finding a healthy outlet for stress (such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness). Additionally, it’s important to understand the importance of maintaining relationships with friends and family by having meaningful conversations and engaging in activities that don’t involve work; this will help to create a sense of community and build strong connections.

Finally, it’s important to remember that executive addiction is not all bad – when used in balance, it can be a powerful tool to help spur individuals forward in their careers. For those that recognize that they are in an unhealthy place with their work-life balance, starting with small steps to change the dynamic can be a great way to start breaking the cycle and achieve balance. Through pieces such as setting boundaries, creating realistic expectations, and understanding the importance of rest and recovery, individuals can take control of their work and prioritize their physical and mental health.