by Samantha Booth, Intern

We are all aware of the negative effects overworking has on our health. Our culture is undeniably fast paced. There are pressures to show up sociably, take on all the commitments, be successful at work and at home, all the while fitting in healthy eating, exercise, and self-care.  All of these to-dos can make us feel like we are running from place to place checking as many boxes as we can each week.

You may have been told at one point or another that putting in the work now has a big pay off later.  In some aspects that is true, hard working people recognize the value of putting in the work now to enjoy the reward when the work is done.  However, the downfall is that we often find ourselves waiting and waiting to reap the benefits because the work never seems to stop.

Prioritizing work over rest isn't always a choice.  There are many factors that influence us to work long hours despite the evidence that burnout is bad for our health and relationships.  You may say things like "If I want to succeed, I need to put in the time." or "I have to prove to others that I am a hard worker." How can one be a hard-worker, having success in their career, AND also prioritize rest?

The truth is that we need rest.  Not just for our physical bodies, but for the relationships in our lives too.  We need to breathe.  We need to take a step back and remember that life is more than the hours we work. Here are a few things to consider in creating a healthy work/life balance.

1. Gain self-awareness.  Ask yourself, What is driving me to work such long hours? Does being busy give me a sense of purpose? Is this part of the work culture? How do my current work habits make me feel?

2. Redefine "Leisure Time"  Instead of labeling your free time as "unproductive time" , remind yourself that the time you take for leisure is needed to recharge your energy.  It's okay to enjoy leisure for what it is--time spent on the things you love.

3. Disconnecting from Social Media.  One of the best ways to reset the hustle from your life is to disconnect from needing to keep up with everything going on in the world.  Make time to slow down.

4. Learn how you recharge.  Whether you are an introvert or extrovert is determined by how you recharge, not whether you like being around people or not.  If being alone energizes you build alone time into your days of rest.  If being around people gives you energy, plan activities for you to do that involve people.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the pace of your life and you want to talk about it with a professional, we have competent and caring therapists in all four of our locations: River Counseling Services in Platte, Sioux Falls Psychological Services, and Stronghold Counseling Services in Sioux Falls and in Yankton -who will meet you where you are, offering hope. That is our mission. You may schedule an appointment at the Platte office at 605-337-3444 or meet with one of our Sioux Falls or Yankton based therapists from your computer, smartphone, or in person at any of our clinics. To schedule an appointment, please call 605-334-2696.