Work - Life Balance…
A Letter From a Therapist: Issue 7
What does vocational burnout mean to you? The difficulty of maintaining a work-life balance is a very frequently identified issue in the therapeutic setting and can be a significant factor in the development and maintenance of mental health concerns. Fortunately, this topic has been an important theme of conversation as of late and has opened discussions around methods for self-care, advocacy in the workplace, and prioritization of health and wellness. Ongoing progress in this discussion can eventually aid in supporting progressive change in the rapport one can expect from their employer and workplace. So if this is a topic that speaks to you, read on for some additional thoughts.
One way to consider efforts of structuring a healthier work-life balance is to review the wellness model. There are many facets involved in balancing our complete wellness which can include our health needs, psychological wellbeing, relational priorities, intellectual interests, and more. Thus we need to make it our priority to offer time and commitment to all aspects of wellness or we risk monopolizing our energy and burning out efforts in other important areas. It is by no means easy to have complete balance in all wellness factors which is why careful consideration needs to be taken in regards to our vocational commitments. Many of us spend a great deal of our existence within our work, whether that includes one’s scheduled work hours, travel related to work, working from home, or other event commitments. Because our society has high expectations for these vocational commitments, it is imperative that we each put in our counter-effort to balance it with consistent and strong rejuvenation efforts.
Due to changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found opportunities that include working from our home spaces. Although this has become a very convenient option, we should give thought to whether it is a long-term healthy solution. Success in working from home subjectively depends on each individual and their ability to maintain separation and healthy boundaries with their vocational roles to allow for the growth and development of other commitments. Maintaining a consistent schedule, although not possible for some, would be a great way to hold accountability and improve time management skills - and yes this includes logging off from your workplace emails and other forms of communication after hours. It is understandable that for many professions, this type of clear separation in one’s schedule is not practical (i.e. first responders, professionals “on call”, or individuals with rotating/inconsistent shifts). If you find yourself in one of those categories, start drafting a plan that can include periodic check-ins to assess what you need to redirect your attention and rejuvenate your energy during breaks. It doesn’t have to be a monumental change - a simple walk outside during a lunch break can help recharge and reset one’s thought process!
In researching for this post, I came across a startling statistic in a 2019 article published by the Washington Post. It was discovered that in an average year, 55 percent of Americans do not use all of their earned paid leave/vacation time. At first that notion baffled me, but then in reflection I realized that I myself have neglected to utilize my complete benefits while in previous workplaces. When applying for vocational positions, we oftentimes will make selections of a good employment fit based on a number of factors - benefits being one of them (with leave time being one of those benefits we strongly consider). Why is it so common that we don’t utilize what is rightfully earned to balance the requirements of our jobs? Many times it becomes an inconvenience to take time away from work; or we return to work with a mountain of unattended issues that we need to urgently address. So if this speaks to you, get creative in how you can utilize what is rightfully yours in a way that does not suffocate and burden you. Take a few hours off of a workday every so often with intention to spend with family or complete a household project. Using the concept of mental health days can be of assistance in taking an earned leave day to reset and focus on another facet of your wellbeing. Some of these changes can be startlingly simple and can include enhancing mindfulness for when you leave the workplace and begin your commute home. An effective work-life balance doesn’t have to be an intimidating change, but the efforts towards it can present more insights into your needs that are not being met.
Best Regards,
Amanda J. Nowak, LPC, LMHC
August 11, 2022
