You’ve probably heard about finding a healthy work-life balance before. It’s important for your mental and physical health to strike that balance and give the right amount of attention to your personal life.
But, it’s just as important to find a healthy work-love balance.
People are busier than ever. Now that remote work has become the norm for so many, it’s easy for your work life to seep into your home life, which can make giving your relationship the attention it deserves even more difficult.
So, what can you do to pay more attention to your partner and relationship when work is busy?
Set Work Boundaries
It’s easy to get caught up in your work, whether you’re at the office or at home.
One of the best ways to make sure you stay focused and end the day at a decent time is to set boundaries.
You can talk to your partner about those boundaries, or simply set them yourself and see what works best. You might need to adjust a few times until you find that “sweet spot”. But, if you’re willing to only work certain hours of the day, or only work a set number of hours, you’ll have more time to devote to your relationship.
Another benefit of boundaries is that your schedule will always be consistent. It will be easier to make plans with your partner and not have to worry about breaking them because you’re stuck at the office.
Make Relationship Time a Priority
Chances are if you’re busy with work you’re used to creating a schedule for yourself. You should do the same with your relationship.
Scheduling things like dates or quality time with your partner might not seem all that romantic. But, it shows that you’re prioritizing that time. You want to make sure you don’t forget it and don’t put something else in its place. It shows your partner that you’re dedicated to them and your relationship.
You can talk together about what that time looks like or how often it needs to get “penciled in”. Obviously, it isn’t the only time you’ll spend together, but it should be time that is free from distractions.
Show Support
If you have a stressful career, it can sometimes feel like it’s all you think about—or talk about. Your partner can quickly pick up on that, too.
So, make sure you show them support in whatever they do. Ask them about their day at work. Show an interest in their hobbies. Support their dreams and goals. Most people know when you’re really listening and showing genuine interest. So, make sure to be an active listener, ask questions, and show them you really care about what is going on in their life.
You may have a more demanding job, but showing them support even after a long day can make a world of difference in your relationship.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
The best thing you can to do balance work and love is to actively and openly communicate with your partner.
It’s one of the most important keys to any relationship, and it will often keep things from becoming tense.
When your job is getting in the way of your relationship, you might want to talk to your partner about everything from finances to how you can adjust your schedule. You can discuss sacrifices you’re both willing to make, as well as needs and wants from the relationship.
If you’re still having trouble balancing work and love and it feels like your relationship is suffering because of it, contact me. We can set up an appointment to work through even more ideas that can help you strike that balance and give your relationship the attention it deserves.
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