It’s no secret: we often feel like our work life and personal life are competing in an endless tug-of-war. Whether you are a business leader, an achiever, trying to dedicate a little more time to your health and well-being, or simply trying to keep your head above water in a demanding career, the elusive concept of “life balance” and work” It feels, well… impossible. That’s because, as Dr. Janna Koretz He says, more or less it is.
“Work-life balance is not an accurate statement,” says Dr. Koretz, a clinical psychologist and leadership and mental health expert. “I prefer work-life integration because it is impossible to have balance all the time in our current work climate. “Instead, people should focus on optimizing their overall health and well-being within the work limitations they have.”
Dr. Koretz brings more than a decade of experience to this conversation. Through his therapeutic practice, Azimuthhas guided countless professionals in high-pressure fields such as law, finance, and technology toward a healthier, more sustainable path. And now he shares his knowledge with us.
Curious about how to set boundaries, avoid burnout, or create a psychologically healthier workplace? You are in the right place. Dr. Koretz’s Q&A is packed with practical advice and powerful insights to help you thrive.
Let’s dive in!
Alison: You talk a lot about work-life integration. What does work-life integration look like, and how does striving for it differ from the elusive work-life balance?
Dr. Koretz: Balance means that things will feel the same and there will be a state of flow between work and family life, which is an impossible goal. Integration, however, is about interweaving the tasks of work and family life, the goal is not to have an equal balance on each side, but rather a way to perform the tasks of each side efficiently, which usually means interspersing them. . Things like taking work calls when you’re driving to pick up, generating a shopping list while you’re on a Zoom call that you don’t really need to be a part of, or flexing your time so you can pick up your kids, have dinner, and be done. your job after that.
Alison: We all know how important self-care is to our ability to meet challenges and cope with stress. What advice can you give to those in high-pressure, “always on” careers to successfully establish a schedule that gives them “white space” to exercise, sleep, and decompress?
Dr. Koretz: It’s important to set small, boring, manageable goals. If you’re looking to get more sleep, it’s unrealistic to think you can go from sleeping 6 hours a night to 8 or 9. Instead, try going to bed 15 minutes earlier for a few days or try sleeping in on a weekend day. . Smaller goals are more likely to be successful because they don’t require a big behavioral change or mental effort, and together these changes add up to a big difference. Small changes will also get you into a mindset where you realize that you really can do things differently, which continues the cycle of change.
Alison: Setting a schedule is the first step, but for those with high-pressure, “always-on” careers, it can also be difficult to defend those boundaries with your boss, your clients, and your direct reports. What guidance can you share on how to create and communicate boundaries so you can stick to your self-care program?
Dr. Koretz: It’s important to know your office culture, know your audience, and be curious and kind. If you present your boundaries aggressively and without discussion, they will not be respected. Instead, being curious about how these boundaries will affect other people at work shows respect and that you are open to creative solutions and working as a team to make sure everyone is taken care of.
Alison: How can leaders in high-pressure environments create a psychologically healthier workplace?
Dr. Koretz: Leaders must lead by relationship. The ability to take mental health days and other nods to promoting psychological health at work means nothing if employees don’t know and trust your leadership. Leaders must take the time to get to know and listen to their employees to build meaningful relationships so employees feel comfortable doing what they need to do for their mental health.
Alison: Any other advice for those in high-pressure, “always on” careers to avoid personal and professional burnout?
Dr. Koretz: It’s important to really evaluate your personal values. A lot of energy comes from really caring about valuing your work. And because most people have never taken the time to really think about what’s important to them and why, their work tasks are often at odds with their values, exacerbating burnout.
How to start integrating work and life? Which of Dr. Koretz’s advice stands out to you the most? —Alison
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Alison Heilig is the Editor-in-Chief of FBG and Head Hypewoman at Miles to go Athletics. She divides her time between running, lifting weights, walking her dogs, cuddling with her dogs, and supporting strong women in the world (and coaching those who aspire to be). You can find and connect with her on IG. @itsalisonheilig.
