Work-Life Balance and Mental Health Chat

Introduction by Host: Dr. Gee

We’ve come to the end of Mental Health Month. Nana Yaa is with us today as we wrap up the journey we have been on the last few weeks. Join us today to learn some practical tips for improving your mental health.

Guest Bio

Nana Yaa is a mom of 3 girls, a thriving student and a part time nurse assistant in Massachusetts.

Q: Can you share some of the thoughts you try to hide?

Life is stressful, especially when children come in. Your life changes, you have to cater to them. Your life isn’t just yours and your spouse’s. Your life revolves around those children. I have to make a conscious effort to include yourself and your partner in your life, or the children will dominate your life. As time goes one, there are other pressures and obligations that come up. It takes a conscious effort to keep focus on what needs your focus at the moment.

Q: How do you take care of yourself [in work-life balance] without guilt?

Michelle Obama had a quote that was something like, “Marriage is not 50-50. Sometimes there is a 20-80 balance, and sometimes it is 80-20.” In the same way, sometimes you do well at work, and sometimes you do well at home. Last night, for example, we had a home-cooked meal, which was amazing, but I had to sacrifice my homework for the night. Now today, I have to do that homework, and we will have leftovers. Life is not 50-50. Every day you have to make a choice: what am I going to focus on today?

Q: How does social media affect your work-life balance?

There was a time in my life where I had to take time away from social media. I was feeling sad because everyone else seemed to have their lives together. They were taking vacations and getting awards for their work, and it was making me feel depressed. Then one day, I was talking to my husband, and he said to me, “You know that people don’t show you the days they are struggling. Social media only shows you the nice parts, but you’re looking at it and thinking it is all throughout their lives.” So, if you are feeling depressed because of social media, you are not being fair to yourself.

Summary/Closing Thoughts

When it comes to work-life balance, give yourself grace. Everyone is on a different path, so do not compare your journey to other people’s journeys. We all want to thrive, of course, but give yourself grace first. I’m proud of you, wherever you are today. I’m proud of where you are, where you have come from, and where you are going.

By Dr. Gee, Success and Holistic Wellness Advocate