Work-Life Balance and Mental Health
The modern work culture encourages workers to give their all to their companies, strive for the next promotion, and prioritize work over virtually everything else in their lives. But this “hustle” mindset inevitably leads to stress, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health struggles.
Achieving a good work-life balance is important to your mental health and overall well-being. But what does this mean, and how can you support your mental health while meeting your job responsibilities?
What Is a Healthy Work-Life Balance?
Work-life balance is the practice of balancing your work responsibilities with your personal life. A healthy work-life balance looks different for everyone. Some people love their jobs and feel comfortable prioritizing them over their free time. But if you have begun experiencing burnout or feeling overwhelming stress at work, achieving a healthier work-life balance might help.
A healthy work-life balance means you leave work at work, feeling fully present during your free time. It means having enough time to rest and sleep between shifts. It also means having the freedom to manage your personal life during the workday when necessary, without needing permission or having to explain what you are doing.
Supporting Your Mental Health at Work
Without a proper work-life balance, your mental health will suffer. Taking care of yourself is crucial for managing stress and maintaining your overall well-being. But it involves more than just bubble baths and manicures.
Supporting your mental health at work and outside the office might include:
Taking mental health days when you need a break. You take sick days when you are physically ill, so why not when you are mentally unwell?
Talking to your boss about a more flexible work schedule so that you can attend appointments and take care of other personal responsibilities during the workday when needed
Implementing better time management so that you fully complete your work during the work day and dedicate your free time to personal endeavors
Preventing and Overcoming Burnout
When you become overly stressed or anxious with work, recognize those feelings and take a step back from your job responsibilities. You do not want to experience burnout or become overwhelmed. Your work stress can spill over into the rest of your life and affect your overall well-being.
Burnout is more than just a feeling of dissatisfaction with your job. It could lead to serious mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and more. These tips can help with burnout prevention:
Establish firm boundaries with work
Be intentional about practicing hobbies that bring you joy outside of work
Check in with yourself regularly to determine whether you are experiencing early symptoms of burnout
If you feel burned out by your job, consider taking a leave of absence or even searching for a new one. No job is worth sacrificing your mental health.
Schedule Evidence-Based Therapy With Unleashed Counseling
Are you struggling to achieve a healthy work-life balance and fear your mental health is suffering? Mental health therapy can help you learn therapeutic interventions to improve your mental well-being. Schedule an intake appointment with Unleashed Counseling today.