Work plays an important part in your lives, not only for the economic resources and benefits, but because work is an essential part of a person’s identity, self-esteem, and self-worth. The more you excel at work, the more you may feel satisfied and self-assured. However, a work-life imbalance leaves you vulnerable to family conflicts, burnout, and physical and mental ailments.
Family Conflicts
Working long hours or having a heavy workload weakens family bonds. Without a work-life balance, you are likely to miss milestones, create conflict, and isolate yourself from the people that love you the most. Quality family time is good for your family relationships and has a positive impact on your mental health. Work-life balance fosters marital and family stability, cohesion, and overall happiness.
Burnout
Society perpetuates the myth of the perfect employee that is always productive, never cracks under pressure, and strengthens the company’s reputation. However, the myth of the perfect employee is just that: a myth. Trying to be the ideal employee puts you at risk of experiencing burnout, which occurs when a person is overburdened and underappreciated. Burnout is especially dangerous because it causes psychosocial distress and physical collapse.
Physical and Mental Ailments
Physical and mental ailments can develop as a result of work-life imbalance. Work-related stress makes you more susceptible to many illnesses, including cold and flu, heart disease, stroke, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues, cardiovascular disorder, and exhaustion. You are also more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Importance of Having a Good Work-Life Balance
Having a successful career affirms and builds your sense of self-worth, but it should not cost you your healthy family life or threaten your health. A work-life balance improves health and wellness, increases overall satisfaction, and nurtures a healthy family life. Balancing your personal and professional life is not easy, but it improves your chances of having a healthy, happier life.
Employment can provide many positive attributes for your life. However, failed maintenance of a work-life balance can prove devastating to your sobriety. It is imperative that you receive the tools needed to find a healthy balance between your work and home life. Valiant Living offers a professional program that will teach you how to balance a demanding career, home life, and sobriety. If you or someone you love uses drugs or alcohol to cope with a high degree of work-related stress, contact us at (303) 952-5035.
