How Work Stress and Burnout Negatively Impact Family Relationships
Most of us have heard the term "quality over quantity."
Most of us have heard the term "quality over quantity." This term refers to having less of something valuable versus more of a cheaper version of that thing. When it relates to time, it's usually to reassure a person that the time they spend with someone is enough. And I agree with that to a certain extent.
However, if you're experiencing work stress and burnout, this statement can provide a false sense of reassurance, especially regarding time spent with your family.
Work burnout can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Work stress becomes a trap and tricks you into thinking that what you do at work is most important, even if your family is a priority. It can also trick you into thinking you are more valuable at work than at home and that your family is okay without you.
Below are some signs that show how work stress can negatively impact your family and how protecting your time can be your way out of burnout and create repair.
Work stress impacts your time to connect.
When work stress sets in, it gives you the feeling that you are always behind. This worry makes it easy to attempt multitasking and maximizing every minute of your day so you can meet deadlines and catch your breath.
This behavior impacts you and your family because it makes you hypervigilant about work matters and unavailable to your family. And one can only connect to others when they are present and self-aware.
Importance of time for yourself
You're more likely to be swept away by things that are not important to you when you don't take the time for yourself and pay attention.
Breaks and time to do nothing, develop self-awareness and emotional regulation. Both of these skills allow you to reconnect with yourself and your priorities. They also help you focus on your family when spending time with them and be a better listener.
As a result, your fulfillment, energy, and creativity will also increase. This new energy makes relaxation more accessible in the future and increases your ability to hold better work boundaries.
Importance of time with your partner
When feeling work burnout, it's easy to get tunnel vision and forget your priorities. One can start to depend on a partner too much for parenting and domestic responsibilities. Discussing work can also become the only topic of conversation and connection.
If your relationship is primarily based on your partner seeing you achieve and only supporting your goals, this can weaken your connection. If the relationship continues to be one-sided, then resentment is likely to form. Instead, if you want your relationship to thrive, you must make time to support your partner and their interests as well.
Importance of time with your children
Work stress distracts you and makes you less patient. When you're easily irritable or lose your temper in front of your children, it can undermine their sense of security.
Instead, connection with children comes from a place of safety. Participating in simple routines and being available to them on their terms helps kids feel calm and stable.
You don't have to be home constantly, but children need to know that they're your priority and that you notice the little things that happen. They need you to be around doing nothing and just being present. This kind of boring stability is comforting and builds trust.
Receive Stress Relief in Peoria, IL, Mahomet, IL, and Beyond
If you're struggling with work burnout, therapy can help. Treatment can validate your experience and support you in making the necessary changes to eliminate work burnout. You can start your therapy journey with Live Lekko. Start your therapy journey today by following these steps:
- Contact us by calling or texting 217-402-7817
- Schedule your first appointment at my Illinois-based practice
- Start overcoming work stress!
Other Services Offered With Live Lekko
Therapy for stress isn't the only service I offer. I'm happy to offer a variety of services to provide you with mental health support. The mental health services I offer include therapy for people pleasing, counseling for women, and grief and loss counseling. I also offer therapy for childhood emotional neglect and therapy for depression. Whether you are in Peoria, Springfield, Mahomet, or somewhere in between in Illinois I can help with teletherapy. Feel free to visit my blog for more helpful information.