The Balancing Act:
How Can You Not Become Overwhelmed?

For most people, finding a balance between their career and home is a challenge. This balance often feels elusive, like something we are constantly striving for. Running a household takes a lot of energy and commitment. Having a successful career requires the same. You may feel at times like you have to choose one or the other and that likely doesn’t feel fair. The balancing act can be overwhelming, therapy can help. 

Why Can’t I Have It All?

Even with a partner, balancing all of life’s challenges is a tall order. The to do lists seem never ending. If you have children this further adds to your list of responsibilities. 

While many of your responsibilities may also be rewarding, it can wear on you. Especially if you have unrealistic expectations for yourself and others. This is extremely common though can be toxic and impact you emotionally. 

Unfortunately, this can feel like an even more uphill battle for many women. Upon analysis of Anne-Marie Slaughter’s ‘Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,’ the Harvard Political Review says, “Women have emphasized the incompatibility of achieving professional success and fulfilling traditional expectations of parental roles…”  Furthermore, other women’s challenges include sexism in the workplace, social pressure, varied demands and stresses depending on the nature of their jobs (rigid/inflexible schedules, repetitive tasks) etc.

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? 

If you are feeling overwhelmed that is understandable. When you have so many things to do and responsibilities it is natural to feel weighed down. You may at times feel like you don’t know where to start and the idea of taking care of yourself may seem like a foreign concept. 

Symptoms of overwhelm can include; 

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Feeling on edge
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Chronic worry
  • Sad mood
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Appetite changes
  • Decreased motivation and/or interest

While this is not an exhaustive list, it does highlight some signs that your overwhelm may be becoming more chronic. If you are feeling this way, reach out. Counseling can help you to feel less overwhelmed and begin striving toward balance. 

Achieving the Balance with Counseling

It isn’t uncommon to feel overwhelmed. When there is too much on your plate because of changes and transitions, overwhelm cannot be too far off. Overwhelm can kill your passion and you can lose sight of your purpose.

It is important to address overwhelm to prevent burnout. This is why recognizing the signs of overwhelm and seeking professional help early is important. A great place to start is with a skilled licensed therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services in Cameron, NC.

Counseling can create a space for you to process how you are feeling and find ways to move forward that work for you. Get started today, call to schedule your first appointment!

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