Balancing Work & Family Life in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY


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How to Balance Work and Family Life?
Work-life balance is the creating a balance to separate your work and family life. With the advancements in communication technologies, this can seem like an impossible goal for many people because you can now be in constant contact with work or home. Rest assured, a healthy work-life balance is possible. The ideal work-life balance varies for each individual, so it is key to find the ideal balance that works for you and your family. 

Signs & Symptoms
Recognizing a work-life imbalance can be difficult. When you have an imbalance, problems will arise in your personal relationships and your physical and mental health.

Common signs and symptoms of work-life imbalance include:
  • Bringing work home 
  • Increased arguments with family members about time spent working 
  • Canceling family plans or social plans for work 
  • Poor sleep and work-related dreams 
  • Teeth grinding during sleep 
  • Short temper with family members 
  • Upset stomach digestive issues 
  • Tension headaches 
  • Increased caffeine/alcohol use 
  • Fatigue 
  • Poor health 
  • Increased expectations at work 
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is possible by setting limits and boundaries between work and home through figuring out the things that matter most to you and incorporating those things into your life. Here are some tips for how to manage your work-life balance while at work and at home:

While at work:
  • Set manageable goals each day. Make a “to do” list, and take care of important tasks first and eliminate unessential ones. Make sure to be realistic about workloads and deadlines. 
  • Take five. Taking a break at work is acceptable and often encouraged by many employers. Small breaks at work will help clear your mind, and improve your ability to deal with stress and make good decisions. 
  • Tune in. Listen to your favorite music at work to foster concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate creativity.  
  • Communicate effectively. Be honest with colleagues or your boss when you feel you are feeling overwhelmed. Don’t just complain - suggest practical alternatives, too!  
  • Take advantage of your options. Ask your employer about flex hours, a compressed workweek, job sharing, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your hours, the less stressed you are likely to be. 
  • Give yourself a break. No one is perfect! Allow yourself to be human and do the best you can. 

While at home:
  • Leave work at work. Create a boundary between work and home. If possible, avoid answering work related communications while at home. If you cannot completely avoid work at home, reduce the amount of times you check your emails or other messages.  
  • Manage your time. Cut or delegate activities you do not enjoy or cannot handle. Divide and conquer your responsibilities at home.  
  • Make a list. Put family events on a weekly calendar, and keep a daily to-do list at home. Having a plan helps you maintain focus.  
  • Make time for fun and relaxation. Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as practicing yoga or reading. Volunteering can also be a great way to boost your work-life balance. 
  • Get support. Chatting with friends and family can be important to your success at home. 
  • Treat your body right. Eat right, exercise and get adequate rest to reduce stress. Avoid relying on drugs, alcohol or cigarettes to cope with stress. 
  • Learn to say no. Remember that it is OK to respectfully say no. When you quit accepting tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you will have more time for activities that are meaningful to you. 
  • Get help if you need it. If you are persistently overwhelmed, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.  
There Is Hope!
If your life feels too chaotic to manage, talk with a counselor or other mental health provider. Creating work-life balance is a continuous process as your family, interests and work life change. Periodically examine and adjust your priorities to make sure you are staying on track. For more information about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, contact our office today or visit these sites:
New Client Info
Lexington, KY

Darby Creek Location
501 Darby Creek Road
Suite 11
Lexington KY, 40509
Phone: 859-338-0466
Fax: 859-294-0802
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