Do You Feel Overwhelmed by Work but Struggle with Saying No?
- Do you find it hard to leave work?
- Have your family and friends told you that you work too much?
- Do you have a difficult time turning down new projects or saying no to coworkers?
- Do you need a break but don’t know how to get one while still getting everything done?
As a working professional, it can feel overwhelming wondering how you are going to get everything done. You need a break, but the work just keeps piling up.
It can become harder to say no as your career or professional duties grow. You may want to draw a line with your boss or coworkers but don’t know how. You might also feel that turning a project down could have negative consequences for you at work, only adding to your stress. You look around and see others who balance their work and still take vacations, but you can’t find the time or feel others will judge you for taking a break. You may start to feel anxious wanting to please everyone. You want to spend more time with your family, but they may not understand your work pressures or need to relax on the weekends which can lead to additional conflict and constant arguments.
Most Working Professionals Struggle with Boundaries
Almost every working professional faces the struggle of how to balance their work and personal life. It takes a lot of time and effort to grow a career which often requires some sacrifice of one’s personal needs and downtime. As a person’s career flourishes, it becomes even harder to take time off or slow down. No one can sustain that pace forever. This constant stress and pressure can trigger anxiety, depression, illness, and relationship difficulties.
Many working professionals feel alone in this struggle or do not want to appear weak for having limits. They buckle down even harder, don’t say no to additional projects or favors from coworkers, and only increase their burden. In some cases, the stress can lead to professional burnout, quitting a job, or divorce.
The good news is that you can maintain your work ethic and professional duties while still making time for yourself. With the help of a compassionate and experienced therapist, you can learn to communicate your needs more effectively so you can excel at your career and experience a fulfilling personal life.
Counseling Can Help Save Your Personal Life
Most working adults experience challenges in balancing their personal and professional lives, and I excel at helping with professional or personal issues facing overwhelmed professionals.
In our sessions, we’ll address your needs and goals through a conversational yet direct approach. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness in my work. Mindfulness helps decrease feelings of anxiety and overwhelm while CBT uses a concrete approach to help clients recognize and change behavioral patterns that contribute to feeling overwhelmed, tired, and resistant to taking breaks from work.
Changing patterns takes time. Past clients have told me that they appreciated my suggestions of small steps for change rather than asking them to change everything in their life at once. We’ll work together to identify concrete, measurable goals each week. I assign simple, manageable homework, such as signing up for that yoga class and leaving work on time to make it to at least one class before our next session. When you begin to recognize feelings of overwhelm and stress – and gain the skills to effectively communicate your need for a break – you can develop a work-life balance that is sustainable and enjoyable long-term.
It’s okay to take time for yourself. Learning how to set boundaries helps others learn how to respect your time, giving you more time to do the things you enjoy. I am here to support you in developing these skills so that you can take control over your life rather than feel powerless. You can have the life you envision.
Some Questions You Might Have About Therapy
- I don’t have time for therapy.
There are already so many demands on your time that it’s understandable to feel you can’t possibly make time for therapy. Blocking off one hour for a counseling appointment can be the first step to reclaiming your life. To best suit my client’s busy schedules, I offer lunchtime and evening appointments. I also offer video counseling so that you can get the help you need without ever leaving your office.
- Therapy won’t help.
It’s amazing what we can accomplish in an hour. Sometimes slowing down and taking time out just for you with focused one-on-one attention can give you the motivation to take the small steps that lead to big change. You are worth it.
- My coworkers will judge me for taking time off during the day.
Therapy appointments are personal and confidential. Many clients choose to schedule a therapy appointment during their lunch break or after work. You can help change your work culture by setting an example that it’s okay to leave the office for lunch and to leave on time at the end of the day.
You Can Find a Work-Life Balance
If you would like to schedule an appointment or discuss any questions you might have about working together, please contact me today by phone (919-928-5123) or email (lisa@capriolicounseling.com) for a free 20-minute phone consultation. I am here to help.