Are you feeling stressed because either your work or your personal life is dominating the majority of your time? Are you unsure on how to create a balance between your work and personal life? To help understand what type of impact an imbalance of work and personal life can have on your overall well-being and what you can do to create a balance, I have interviewed therapist Sandy McDermott, MA, LCPC, NCC.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
“I have the great honor of providing my clients with opportunities to change their lives in positive ways, both emotionally and physically. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and a nationally certified counselor with 18 years of experience. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling and a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. My psychotherapy private practice blends the best of traditional and holistic psychotherapeutic techniques. My specialty is guided imagery, in which I use the power of your mind to help you to relax, express anger, reduce pain or deal with issues in a variety of ways. I individualize therapy to the meet the needs of each person.”
What type of impact can an imbalance between work and personal life have on a person’s overall well being?
“An imbalance between work and personal life will often have a negative impact on a person. They may lose their passion for their work or their life, they may become physically or emotionally ill or they may have a spiritual crisis.”
How can someone create a balance between his or her work and personal life?
“To create balance, it is healthy to have a variety of activities that are relaxing, energizing, creative or restful preferably on a daily or regular basis. It is also helpful to have a support system of friends, family, neighbors, work colleagues or mentors, etc. I suggest creating a list of activities in each of those categories. Examples of activities include exercise of any sort, reading, movies, yoga, guided imagery, meditation, playing a sport, gathering with friends, crafts, riding horses, etc.”
What type of professional help is available for someone who is struggling to create balance between his or her work and personal life?
“Professional help to deal with work /life balance issues include seeking a counselor or social worker, joining a group that may deal with these issues, or seeing a life coach. Sometimes a career counselor is warranted. A spiritual counselor or physician may be helpful if a person is having a spiritual crisis or medical symptoms.”
What last advice would you like to leave for someone who is struggling to have balance between his or her work and personal life?
“The best advice that I can give you is to take some time now to prevent such a problem from occurring. Write down your life balancers, because when people become stressed, they often cannot recall what they need to do or whom they need to call. Be proactive! You can do it!”
Thank you Sandy McDermott for doing the interview on how someone can create balance between his or her work and personal life. Sandy McDermott, MA, LCPC, NCC offers two guided imagery CDs for relaxation. For more information on her work or her CDs, please visit www.createtranquility.com.
Recommended Readings:
How to Reduce Stress Simply
How to De-Stress After Work
Is Stress Keeping You Awake at Night
