Putting your work’s needs over your own is not very uncommon for many Americans. With the rise of hustle culture and working 12 hours is a current trend for “success,” many are falling into the trap of elongated burnout periods.
This indicates a false culture and a dire need for self-time. The worst part is romanticizing workaholism is only leading you towards a path of poor mental health and excessive stress, blinding good old motivation.
When asked in a survey, almost 68% of Americans agreed that they place others’ needs over their own. Plus, they are even suffering from a tang of guilt for giving themselves enough time for self-care and recharge.
If you are one such millennial failing to create a happy and healthy balance between your work and personal life, then you have reached the right space. In this excerpt below, we will be discussing some of the best tips curated by experts to reach that optimal balance.
What Happens When You Are Not Keeping A Balance
Before we step up with the tips and tricks of creating a healthy balance, let us first understand what happens when you fail to create that healthy balance.
1. Excessive Self-Criticism
We often extend this comment to a workaholic, “you are being too hard on yourself.” Individuals who often believe they aren’t doing enough always run behind a false perfectionism. Our human body doesn’t allow us to work 24/7 (although many of us did wish we could get such superpowers). It is not a limitation but rather your body’s way of saying that it requires rest. Without the rest, you will heavily lose your productivity stream. Even the easier task will start looking difficult.
2. Burnout
As children, we all had hobbies we enjoyed. However, with adulthood and hustling culture coming to life, it is becoming extra tough to even give time for a hobby. But, one should never stop enjoying a part-time activity. Because the moment you do, you enter the burnout phase. Burnout can manifest as feelings of fatigue, reduced motivation, and a sense of hopelessness. This often occurs when you are stomped with work and are too mentally exhausted to even try out a hobby.
3. Strained Relationship
One of the biggest problems arises when you do not put equal effort towards your personal life. There is one thing for your friends, family, and partner to understand that you have a goal, and it is completely different to demand their compromise on every front. The more you start losing your presence on every occasion and event, the more distance you are creating.
How To Create That Healthy Balance
Now that you know the worse, do not panic! There is a way to turn the tables and help build that optimal balance between your two lives.
1. Have Time For Self-Care
We cannot stress this matter enough. Self-care is very important to rejuvenate and recharge after a long day. There is no one definition for self-care, and it can be any activity you enjoy in your alone time. However, the trick is multitasking, where you only think about that one activity. For example, if painting is something you like, place your full concentration on it. Do not think about your work the next day then.
It is always advised to pick something light-hearted to ensure you do not strain your mind.
2. Take Time Out To Socialize After Work
Whether it is going on a short trip with your partner on the weekend or finding out for a casual dinner with friends on a Friday night, one should always create a clear boundary between work and personal life. This is not to say you cannot have friends who are your work colleagues. However, you should have a social life outside that circle as well. Socialization will help you appreciate and enjoy your life outside work. This way, you wouldn’t be only dependent on a super productive day or a perfect work report for a dopamine release.
3. Go For Therapy
Oftentimes we lead our life being bombarded with work quite easily, only to be triggered by a small comment and have a mental breakdown. Have you ever wondered why? If a simple criticism from your boss or a comment from a colleague is bothering you to the extent of excessive overthinking, then you are probably not okay.
Humans tend to ignore the deep-seated mental health issues they harbor until something big happens. Do not wait for a psychotic break to reach out to a professional at Healthcare2U.
Who might help you? Plus, there is no hard and fast rule that a therapist might only help you if you have a disorder. In fact, here are some of the signs you should go to one:
- You are getting triggered easily. Maybe there is a past trauma that you are burying rather than healing from it.
- Being heavily dependent on substances to feel any form of happiness or chemical release.
- Picking up constant fights with your family members or partners to get that emotional release.
- Unable to motivate oneself intrinsically at work or studies.
4. Start Setting Realistic Expectations
You cannot do it all; no one can. So, stop putting yourself up for failure and then drown in a mass of self-destructive criticism. When you learn the art of placing realistic goals for yourself, you will be less disappointed. Plus, fulfilling those goals will give you an opportunity to feel productive. This productivity will lead to motivation at the workplace, and you will feel more fulfilled in life in general.
So, stop chasing the pipe dream of perfectionism, and start assessing your strengths and weaknesses to create healthy goals. Conquer one task at a time, and learn to prioritize.
It Won’t Happen Tomorrow
If you have been dealing with your life in survival mode, creating this balance will take some time.
Remember that self-care and work-life balance are ongoing processes. What works for one person might not work for another, so it's important to find strategies that suit your individual preferences and circumstances. Prioritizing your well-being ultimately leads to improved overall quality of life and better performance in both your personal and professional endeavors.
This is not to pick your favorites but to listen to your body and mind in order to know when to stop.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions, and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of Credihealth and the editor(s).
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