Doing it All.

Week 7: Occupational Wellness

I actually just googled “what is occupational wellness.” I think I know, but how do I put it into words? Let me try. Creating balance of work aka your occupation and home life are the first components of this idea for me. We have the ability to always be connected, so this is no easy feat. I also think having a level of appreciation and excitement for the work you do creates wellness in this realm.

What is work life balance, anyway? I’m going to share my perspective but bear in mind that this is my view. Your experience will look different depending on your priorities, demands, stage of life, etc. I am a mother, woman, wife, daughter, serving the community as a helping professional (who suffers from compassion fatigue), a highly sensitive person, a student, a teacher, etc., etc., etc.

Work Life BALANCE

1. The word ‘balance’ is key here. Your balance will look different than your friends, and even your spouse. It’s important to understand what balance looks and feels like to you. Don’t know? Consider a time when everything felt at peace to you. What was going on? What were you doing? How can you achieve that feeling again?

2. DISCONNECT. When you are at home, be at home. When you are at work, be there. Of course, we have to be on call 24/7 when we are parents and your job may require you to stay connected. There are absolute exceptions to every rule, right? Don’t lean into that too much where it becomes your excuse not to be present in your moment.

3. The antidote to that-BE PRESENT. Set reminders on your calendar or alarms on your phone. Check in with yourself. How are you feeling in this moment? Are you present/connected? If not, what can you change? If yes, alright…remember this feeling-you are creating YOUR balance.

4. Work life balance is a choice. Yep. Once you realize that, you are back in the drivers seat with all the control to decide how you expend your energy.

5. If you are currently overwhelmed in your role at home, work, life in general, and/or all of the above, take a BREAK. Please quit overextending yourself. Maybe a week off work isn’t realistic. And you definitely can’t just stop being a parent. BUT you have to recalibrate your energy so that you can get back on track. Decide what you can do and where you can take breaks.

Just a note: I don't want to be simple-minded and say, "just take a break," or "stop overwhelming yourself." There are times when I couldn't pull myself out of terrible anxiety because I was never in the moment or felt that I was not enough everywhere I was. I was thinking about my baby when I was at work. And on the flip side, I was thinking about mistakes I might have made, sleep, lack of vacation days, etc. when I was with my new baby. It's a lonely feeling. Please hear me when I say that I hear you and I see you. I am NOT suggesting any of this is simple. But I am saying, slow down, listen to your body and take note. Awareness is the first piece of all of this. If you are feeling lonely, reach out to a friend. Reach out to me. Tell SOMEONE. Because you know what, we are all feeling lonely and we will never connect if YOU don't make the first step!

Need ideas? Email me: familycounseling21@gmail.com