Work-Life Balance Counseling in Chicago

Maintaining a work-life balance can be a challenge given today’s weakened economy and the pressure to stay connected through email, voicemail, and text. It’s natural to feel the pressure to keep up; but staying in touch 24/7 can lead to a continuous work-life imbalance.

If you feel you may be suffering from a poor work-life balance, some questions to ask yourself are:

• How many hours a week do I work?
• What time at night do I stop checking work email and voicemail?
• Do I have a habit of working at home after dinner, or after the kids are in bed?
• How many hours a week do I spend engaging in activities that I really enjoy?
• Do you see your friends as often as you would like?
• Do you connect with your partner as often as you would like?

To learn more about work-life balance counseling, Contact Symmetry Counseling today.

Good work-life balance will look different for everyone, often depending upon your current life-stage. There’s no “one-size fits all”, what might feel right for you may not feel right for someone else. It bears keeping in mind that a work-life imbalance can create problems in one’s physical and psychological health, and in one’s relationships.

How do you know if you are suffering from a work-life imbalance?

Warning signs include:

• bringing work home
• increased conflict with your partner about time spent working
• canceling family plans or social plans due to work obligations
• poor sleep (including work-related dreams and teeth grinding)
• short temper with family members
• upset stomach
• tension headaches
• and increased use of caffeine and/or alcohol

How can I achieve a better work-life balance?

The Symmetry therapists can assist by helping you:

• Set limits and boundaries with others
• Ask for help when it’s needed
• Schedule social and personal time
• Reconsider/reset life and career goals
• Incorporate your partner’s perspective in setting of goals and boundaries
• Figure out what really matters to you and what is missing in your life