If you’ve normalised being plugged in around the clock, you might be wondering if that mythical ‘work-life balance’ is actually attainable. Your constant fatigue signals to you that there must be another way; but how do you restore balance, when there’s so much competing for your attention?
The line between work and personal life has blurred in today’s fast-paced work environments, leaving many women grappling with burnout. “As a counsellor, I’ve seen first hand how the demands of work, family, and personal aspirations can collide, leading to emotional and physical exhaustion,” says registered counsellor Melissa Davids. She asserts that restoring work-life balance is not just about reducing stress, “it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle that prioritises mental health and well-being.”
Melissa informs us that when exploring creating balance, a prominent challenge that often emerges is burnout. “Burnout is more than just feeling tired; it’s a state of chronic stress characterised by emotional depletion, detachment, and reduced effectiveness. Common signs include constant fatigue (even after rest), feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed by daily tasks, increased irritability or emotional sensitivity, as well as difficulty concentrating or making decisions.” She notes that women often face unique challenges, such as societal pressures to excel in multiple roles simultaneously, which can accelerate burnout if not addressed. Melissa offers these practical steps to restore work- fife balance:
1 Identify Your Priorities Reflect on what truly matters to you – your health, family, career, or hobbies. Create a list, and evaluate how your time and energy align with these priorities. Let go of activities that don’t serve your goals or values.
2 Learn to Say No Many women struggle with setting boundaries, fearing they may disappoint others. However, saying ‘no’ to unnecessary commitments is vital for protecting your time and energy. Practice assertive communication, such as: ‘I’d love to help, but my schedule doesn’t allow it right now.’
3 Create a Routine that Honours Rest Schedule breaks throughout your day and dedicate time to activities that recharge you, e.g. exercise, meditation or reading. A structured routine can help you avoid over-committing and provide a sense of stability.
4 Delegate and Share Responsibilities At work and home, resist the urge to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to colleagues or family members, and accept help when offered. Collaboration not only reduces your load, but also strengthens relationships.
5 Unplug Regularly Technology can blur boundaries between work and personal time. Set designated periods to unplug from emails, social media and work-related calls. Use the time: be fully present with loved ones, or engage in self-care.
Restoring balance isn’t a one- time effort; it requires consistent self-awareness and action. Melissa recommends checking in with yourself regularly to assess your stress levels and adjust your habits as needed. “Consider speaking with a counsellor to explore underlying issues contributing to burnout, and to develop personalised coping strategies.” Work-life balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding harmony. “By prioritising your well-being, you not only prevent burnout but also enhance your capacity to thrive in all areas of your life,” Melissa concludes. “Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup – make yourself a priority.
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