From Chaos to Calm: Expert Advice on Easing Anxiety in the Midst of Busy Jobs and Parenthood with Marriage Counseling Raleigh NC
Burnout is something I often see in my work with couples in marriage counseling Raleigh NC. Many families operate in overdrive, running on empty while juggling demanding jobs, raising kids, managing households, booking vacations, and caring for elderly parents. It’s a constant cycle of go, go, go—and it’s exhausting.
So, let’s talk about burnout—a feeling many of us experience in our busy, demanding lives. As a marriage counselor, I’d also like to share one critical question you can ask yourself to see if that can move the needle for you toward balance and well-being.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of sweeping exhaustion caused by snowballing stress in our everyday life. Overwhelming responsibilities can keep your stress hormone levels constantly high which may result in burnout, draining your energy, leading to anxiety, and causing you to struggle in your relationships.
Constant exhaustion makes it hard to find meaning in life or engage in activities you once enjoyed. Burnout can also affect your physical health, disrupting your sleep and increasing the risk of chronic somatic conditions.
Burnout: A Common Struggle for Couples and Families
In our couples therapy Raleigh NC sessions, couples and individuals often say they are doing all kinds of things, all the time, all while working in demanding professions and raising a family. We often think that we are clear on what we’re doing and why, but in reality, many of us haven’t paused to reflect on what truly matters.
If this resonates with you, take a moment right now to reflect on this key question:
“What kind of family are we?”
The Three Types of Families
Brené Brown identifies three types of families: kid-centered, parent-centered, and family-centered. Let’s dive into each to see where you might fit.
1. Kid-Centered Families
Kid-centered families prioritize children’s activities above all else. These parents feel obligated to enroll their kids in everything—t-ball, swim lessons, dance, travel soccer, and more—no matter how exhausted they feel. The focus is entirely on the kids, often at the expense of the parent’s mental health and family well-being.
2. Parent-Centered Families
Parent-centered families focus on the adults’ preferences, often without considering the kids’ needs or abilities. These are the parents who engage in not-kid-appropriate activities. For example, these parents may want to dine at fancy restaurants or vacation in places that aren’t kid-friendly. The underlying message is: I want to do what I want to do.
3. Family-Centered Families
Family-centered families aim for balance. They sit down regularly—weekly and daily—to discuss what works best for everyone. They regularly ask themselves, “What do we want to do this week? How much energy do we have to give this week?”
For instance, they might skip a swim class or dance lesson to make room for one-on-one time with their children. This approach respects the energy and emotional needs of everyone in the family, ensuring no one is overextended or overlooked.
How to Shift Toward a Family-Centered Approach with Marriage Counseling Raleigh NC
If you’re feeling burned out, consider adopting a family-centered mindset. Here’s how:
1. Pause and Reflect
Ask yourself:
What kind of family are we right now?
What kind of family do we want to be?
2. Communicate with Your Partner
Have an open conversation about these questions. Discuss what changes you’d like to make as a family.
3. Set Boundaries
Respect your limits and your kids’ emotional needs. For example, if your child is acting out after your return from work travel, consider whether they simply miss you rather than assuming they are being “bad.”
4. Prioritize Mental Health Over Busy Schedules
Skipping a few extracurricular activities is okay—especially if it means preserving your family’s mental health and well-being.
Need Support?
If you’ve reflected on these questions but still feel stuck, it might be time to talk to a professional. I’d love to help. Visit my website, https://www.irinabaechlecounselingllc.com/ to schedule a free phone consultation. We can discuss how I can support you or connect you with someone better suited to your needs.
Take the First Step Today with Couples Therapy Raleigh NC and Marriage Retreat in North Carolina
Burnout doesn’t have to define your family life. By reflecting on your values and making intentional choices, you can create a balanced, fulfilling family dynamic.
Quality Marriage Counseling Raleigh NC, and Online Therapy North Carolina.
At Marriage Counseling Raleigh NC, I offer the best marriage counseling I can using the most empirically validated modality called Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT).
This is not your typical weekly kind of therapy. I am here to help couples and individuals in relationships do what is proven to work to help them heal their relationships. Through marriage counseling Raleigh NC, marriage retreat in North Carolina, online therapy North Carolina, and individual counseling, there is something for every couple who wants to heal their relationship.
Hi, I'm Irina Baechle LCSW, in Raleigh, NC. I believe in the power of healthy relationships and write on that topic. Whether you and a partner are co-creating a healthy marriage, or you are single navigating how to have healthy relationships, my content is for you. Let's make healthy, trustworthy marriages the norm instead of the exception! Topics I write about include marriage, infidelity, roommate marriages, sexless marriage, healthy second marriages, healing after toxic or unfaithful marriages.
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