As you try to keep up with your career, while also managing your personal life and everything else in today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to “succeed” can feel all-consuming. Whether you’re launching a new business, climbing the corporate ladder or trying to stand out in the competitive job market, there is continual pressure to grow professionally. However, while striving for career growth and professional advancement, are you also focusing on your mental health?
Prioritizing career advancement along with emotional well-being is challenging; however, there is growing awareness of the benefits of prioritizing your mental health and putting yourself first sometimes. Achieving this balance takes work and requires setting intentions and boundaries in order to avoid sacrificing one over the other.
Strategies to Balance Career Growth and Mental Health
Just by reading this, you’re taking the right steps to focus on your mental health while prioritizing your career. Here are some tips to help.
Strategy #1: Prioritize rest
Think of career advancement as a marathon, not a sprint. You will want to take breaks and rest when you can. Having a normal sleep routine, taking time off and prioritizing hobbies are not distractions but essential to boost creativity and long-term productivity.
Strategy #2: Ask for support
If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted friend or mentor. Talk to a therapist if needed or a support group with like-minded individuals to help you through this busy time. You do not have to go through anything alone. Finding healthy coping strategies will help you manage stress more effectively.
Strategy #3: Advocate for yourself
Make sure to speak up if your workload is unmanageable or if you need more flexibility. Companies want to support their employees, and with the growing focus on mental health, your managers will likely be open to conversations about work-life balance. You need to start the conversation with them so they can help you.
Strategy #4: Set boundaries
If your workday ends at 5 pm, you need to generally stick to this. Avoid blurring the lines between your work and personal life and unplug when it comes to spending your time with your family and loved ones. Stick to your boundaries and focus on your breaks and your time off. Boundaries are meant to protect your time and enforcing them is not seen as laziness.
Strategy #5: Focus on progress
Forget about “perfection” – it’s your progress that matters. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge all the hard work you are doing, regardless of the outcome. You will have some good days and maybe some bad days and it’s okay to have feelings of doubt. Overcome these feelings by knowing that you are doing your best and that will help you come out on top.
Redefining Career Success
Remember, your job doesn’t define your worth. Career growth is meaningful and gives you purpose. However, it shouldn’t consume your life. There is no one-size-fits-all definition for what success looks like and you need to focus on what success looks like to you while taking care of yourself. Focus on what matters to you the most so that you can make the most of your career in the long run.
