More than a buzzword: Why work-life balance matters
As part of our ongoing series profiling the talented therapists at The Women’s Center, this month’s blog comes courtesy of an interview with Susan Gatsos, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Clinical Services at The Women’s Center, and Cara Dehghan, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at The Women’s Center. Susan and Cara recently shared their professional experience and insights about a topic familiar to many: Workplace Stress and work-life balance.
More than a buzzword: Why work-life balance matters
We’ve all been there. Our plates are piled high with work deadlines, family obligations, personal goals, and the ever-present desire for some downtime. Each item demands a piece of our limited time and energy, leaving us feeling constantly stretched thin.
Why the struggle? One culprit is the ever-expanding nature of work itself. Technology keeps us tethered 24/7, blurring the lines between work hours and personal time. The ability to work remotely can easily morph into the pressure to work everywhere. Economic factors like inflation and stagnant wages add another layer of stress, making it difficult to detach from work, even when we know it’s necessary.
Relationships, hobbies, and the need for self-care all compete for a spot. The result? A feeling of constant being overwhelmed, a nagging sense that something is being neglected, and a longing for that elusive balance.
Thanks to recent increases in awareness and corporate HR initiatives, most of us are keenly aware that our work and personal lives are intertwined and that having a manageable work-life balance is important for both our mental health and well-being and also for our job productivity. Boundaries and balance help us to be fully present when we are at work and bring full presence to life at home. Yet, recent surveys reveal that most of us still feel that our work and home lives are busier than ever, and attaining a work-life balance remains elusive. Work life, with software collaboration tools and remote work technologies, are also altering the equation due to increased work-from-home expectations and 24/7 “flexible” work schedules butting up against the sheer volume of activities and time commitments as we return to pre-pandemic schedules. Finally, recent economic challenges such as inflation and historically sluggish wage increases sometimes add to the stress we feel at work.
So, what exactly is this elusive work-life balance we’re all chasing? In simpler terms, it’s the sweet spot between your professional and personal life. It’s about feeling comfortable managing the demands of your job while having enough time and energy for yourself. The goal is to be happy and productive at work, but also have the space to pursue personal interests, nurture relationships, and recharge. Think of it as a two-way street – a healthy work-life balance allows you to function efficiently in your career, while a fulfilling personal life fuels your focus and energy at work.
The hidden stressors
Work stress isn’t simply about burning the midnight oil too often. Sure, long hours and high-pressure environments can be major contributors. But the culprit list goes beyond the obvious.
A toxic workplace culture, filled with negativity and tension, can drain your energy and motivation. Strained relationships with colleagues can create constant anxiety, and frequent organizational changes can leave you feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. Feeling under-equipped for your job, due to a lack of proper training or resources, can also significantly contribute to work stress.
Your personal life also plays a major role. Financial strain, major life events, including health incidents, family issues, and even minor disruptions to your schedule can all throw off your work-life balance and contribute to work stress. Even the constant feeling of being pulled in two directions by work demands and personal obligations can be incredibly stressful.
Recognizing these various causes of work stress, both within and outside of the workplace, is the first step towards developing strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthier work-life balance.
Warning signs
How do you know if work stress is creeping in, and how can you tell if you’ve achieved the elusive work-life balance? The truth is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. We all have different situations and definitions of work stress. However, there are some general signs to watch out for:
- Healthy work-life balance: You feel comfortable managing both work and personal demands without sacrificing your well-being. Happiness and a sense of balance are key indicators. Remember, work-life balance is a two-way street – a fulfilling personal life fuels your energy at work.
- Work-life imbalance: When work becomes overwhelming, it spills over into your personal life, draining your energy and impacting relationships. Likewise, a chaotic home life can make it hard to focus and perform well at work. Bringing your best self to either role becomes a struggle.
The cost of an unhealthy work-life balance is undeniable. Studies consistently link it to negative consequences for both your mental and physical health. Constant stress and work-life imbalance can contribute to depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and even changes in behavior. Chronic pain, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system can all be impacted by work stress.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been shown to significantly reduce overall stress levels and prevent burnout in both your personal and professional life. By recognizing the warning signs and understanding the benefits of a healthy work-life balance, you can start taking steps towards a more fulfilling and stress-free life.
Practical tips for finding your work-life harmony
- Make time for You – We hear it all the time – self-care is key to managing stress. And it’s true! Prioritize activities that recharge your batteries, whether it’s exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or pursuing a hobby. Even small doses of self-care daily can make a big difference. Think of it as building a stress resilience toolbox. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep provide a strong foundation. Sticking to these routines can help you feel more balanced, focused, and able to tackle challenges head-on.
- Set boundaries – The always-on culture can blur the lines between work and life, but setting boundaries is key to finding work-life balance. Saying “no” when overwhelmed is crucial, not a sign of weakness. Remember, boundaries benefit everyone! They allow you to be more focused and organized at work, leading to better results. Dedicated personal time keeps you refreshed and ready to tackle your professional life with renewed energy. The bottom line? Setting boundaries sets you up for success.
- Ask for help at work – Today’s business environment is increasingly recognizing the importance of work-life balance. We all know the feeling – the constant worry that we’re falling behind, even if it’s self-inflicted pressure. The key is to have open communication. Talking to your managers and HR can help prioritize your workload, streamline tasks, or even secure additional support for your projects. Many companies are taking action: They offer workplace wellness programs with on-site workshops, flexible scheduling options, and other resources to help you thrive. Additionally, Employee Assistance Programs are becoming more comprehensive, often including healthcare coverage and treatment for work-related stress and anxiety.
- Talk to someone– Support comes in many forms. Yes, therapists and coaches are great resources, but so are the friends, family, or mentors you can confide in. Talking it out can help you see things clearly, build a plan, and remember you’re not on this journey by yourself.
- Build balance into your schedule – To create personal space, utilize features within your email and work applications to silence the constant notification stream. Block distracting websites that tempt you to click away from important tasks. Respect your boundaries by scheduling meetings during work hours and blocking off personal time in your calendar for much-needed breaks and self-care activities. Even short bursts of mindfulness practices like meditation, breathing exercises, or a quick walk outside can make a big difference in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
Popular mental wellness apps*
Here are three popular mental health applications (available for download to your mobile device) that can help you with meditation, mindfulness, sleep and stress management.
Additional help and resources
If you’ve tried various strategies to manage stress but it persists, consider seeking the support of a career counselor or therapist. They can help you identify the root causes of your stress and develop strategies to manage it effectively. To explore the full breadth of services and programs offered by The Women’s Center, please visit the services page on our website.
Remember, you have choices! A career change or a different job could be the answer, but it’s not the only path. There might be adjustments you can make within your current role to improve your work-life balance and reduce stress.
The key is to be proactive and take steps towards a healthier and happier work life.
*The resources listed are only intended as useful references, and some apps may require subscriptions. The websites and applications listed in this blog are third-party entities, completely unaffiliated with The Women’s Center. The Women’s Center does not endorse or sponsor (nor is it sponsored by) any of the above resources.
