Your spouse is diagnosed with cancer. Your loyal, 14-year-old golden retriever has passed away. Or your partner lost their job. Any of these things can cause significant stress, anxiety, and depression. However, you must still show up and be productive during work hours.

Balancing the demands of professional life with your issues requires a thoughtful approach and a commitment to self-care. Regardless of your difficulties, it’s important to find ways to manage stress and stay focused on your work responsibilities.

1. Seek Professional Help

First and foremost, realize that you may need professional help to deal with the grief and stress that you are facing. Make an appointment with a therapist or counselor. Or join a support group. You could also visit a mental health rehab center for a few days. All of these options help you cope with a crisis in your life. Professional services can help you reduce your anxiety or depression symptoms, develop self-help strategies, and manage your stress.

Support groups are available around the world to help individuals who are seeking assistance and encouragement. These groups are specific to many different life challenges, including illnesses, divorce, and drug addiction. Support groups help you realize that you are not alone. Others can empathize and advise about what you are going through. 

Mental health rehab centers offer a safe space to express your feelings and concerns. You can even discuss the difficulties you may be having at work and troubleshoot ways to be more productive. By addressing your emotional well-being, you’ll be better able to meet the demands of both your personal and professional life.

2. Tell Your Co-workers — Or Not

Determining whether to share your home troubles with colleagues or supervisors is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. On the one hand, sharing your current situation with trusted co-workers or managers can result in emotional support and understanding. You may need others to understand why you are slow with projects or having task difficulty. Telling co-workers about your situation may also allow flexibility in your schedule to accommodate your needs during this difficult time. 

On the other hand, you’ll want to weigh the potential consequences of disclosing personal information in a professional setting. Office workers may scrutinize your work performance, noting that you cannot keep up with projects or deadlines. This may be detrimental to your work performance reviews. You may prefer to maintain boundaries between your personal and professional life to avoid potential judgment or stigma. 

However, you may choose to give only your manager a head’s up about the situation, keeping it quiet from colleagues. If your manager knows what’s happening, they won’t be surprised by your distraction during work hours. The decision to share should be based on your comfort level and the specific dynamics of your workplace.

3. Check Your Company’s Benefits

Many companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) and benefits that can provide valuable resources for managing troubles at home. These may include access to counseling services, childcare assistance, and legal support. They may even allow for flexible work arrangements. You could come in late, go home early, or take a longer lunch break to go home during the day. 

Your situation at home may fall under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The Act allows twelve weeks of unpaid, federally protected absence during twelve months. It applies to certain family and medical situations, such as a cancer diagnosis or other serious health conditions. The Act ensures you’ll continue receiving company health insurance, protecting your job. Companies are also prohibited from retaliating against you for taking advantage of this program. 

Utilizing company EAPs can alleviate some of the burdens you may be facing. It can help you manage your stress and improve productivity at work. You can proactively seek assistance by familiarizing yourself with your company’s benefits and support services. Hopefully, you’ll be able to better manage the impact of home troubles on your professional life.

4. Be Easy on Yourself

During times of stress, it’s important to practice self-compassion and prioritize self-care. You are going through a lot. You are likely experiencing anxiety that’s interfering with your work performance, and that can add even more stress. So, recognize that you are doing your best under challenging circumstances. Give yourself permission to take breaks and recharge as needed. 

Give yourself time to focus on work, and then reward yourself with a small break. You can use this time to call home and check on your family occasionally. However, be sure not to spend every break on the phone, as this may be inappropriate and unprofessional. Too much communication at home during work hours might mean that you are not focusing on work tasks. You may get a warning from your supervisor for cell phone overuse. 

Set realistic expectations for your work performance and avoid putting pressure on yourself during this difficult time. Incorporate stress-relieving activities into your day to help manage anxiety and maintain balance. Try meditation, exercise, or enjoy your hobbies. By prioritizing your well-being and giving yourself compassion, you can feel in charge of the situation and feel less pressure for perfection.

Staying Productive During Difficult Times

Managing troubles at home while still being productive at work requires prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. With the right support, you can handle difficult times and thrive personally and professionally. Remember that it’s OK to ask for help and focus on self-care during challenging times. By taking care of yourself, you can better manage stress and achieve success in all areas of your life.

Published By: Aize Perez