Balancing a Job, Marriage, and Life
By Rachel Shouse
You can't expect yourself, your spouse, or family to always operate well. Sometimes, you may feel like you don't have much to offer those around you. This struggle is very common. It can be hard to lean on each other. Even if it's your spouse. Admitting that we're struggling, feel overwhelmed, or are in need of help can be difficult to say the least. Confessing to these problems can make some people feel like failures. However, problems can't be fixed unless we admit that they exist. There's not one perfect marriage, career, or life out there. There are ways for you and your spouse to work your way through these times and come out stronger.
Sorting Out Your Priorities
When you start out writing your priorities, start with your No. 1. That being your spouse. If you want your marriage to thrive, you have to work together. Even when work schedules get crazy. It's important to check in with your spouse every so often. As well as checking in with yourself. Evaluate how you two are feeling as a couple and as individuals.
Working your way down your priority list, staying focused, helps ensure that you take care of what matters most to you. Picture your day as a block schedule. Before you go listing whatever pops into your head, contemplate those priorities. Make time for those before anything else.
Struggling Doesn't Mean Failure
Don't expect everyday to be a wild success. Expect bumps, hitches, and problems. Problems actually help us stay flexible. Inevitably, life is going to throw us curve balls. It's OK for work to take a little extra time every now and then. Sometimes your marriage may need some extra care or a relationship within your home could use some tending. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause your immediate plans and focus on what needs your attention the most.
Keeping Stress Level Under Control
Stress can do a number on your health, both physically and mentally. Physically it can cause a raise in both your heart rate and your blood pressure. If your body is forced to endure too much, you could suffer from more severe health conditions.
Mentally it can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and more. Unfortunately, in extreme cases, someone may not feel strong enough to make it through. If you or someone you know is in danger, please call The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
Working through multiple problems at a time can definitely feel overwhelming. If that's the case for you, choose how many you and/or your spouse can handle at a time. Again, start with priority No. 1. Keep open communication with them to avoid unnecessary hitches later on.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.