Page 110 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

story by Lynn Lofton
If you're challenged to achieve harmony between your career and personal life, you're not alone. Two busy Gulf Coast professionals explain their ways of coping.
A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Gaela Youngblood of
the Memorial Hospital Medical Oncology Group says this challenge is affecting everyone as our culture values work ethic and rewards loyalty to businesses and employers.
“This balance can be particularly difficult for parents,” she said. “The burden of home-related tasks often falls on women or single parents who work all day and spend the evening on childcare or household tasks. They are more likely to miss work for childcare needs and tend to bear the mental load even when tasks are distributed more evenly.”
Mental load describes the cognitive tasks required for planning, organizing and keeping track of schedules. This happens in the brain and others are often unaware of how this can be exhausting.
For ophthalmologist Dr. Rainna Bahadur, one of the most challenging things about balancing all the things she does is to make sure the people she cares about the most don't get the least amount of her attention. “Fitting everything in to 24 hours a day can be
extremely challenging,” she says.
“I have learned to be very
organized, good at time
management, and able
to compartmentalize.
I think these traits
are crucial for
maintaining the
schedule that
I have and
maintaining
a work/life
balance.”
Bahadur credits her support group systems – most importantly her immediate family and husband, Dr. Vernon Beemon – for helping her daily. “He has been supportive in all my activities, but keeps me grounded and cautions me not to overextend,” she said. “My children have been understanding of my obligations to my medical practice and community roles. My other support group that is absolutely essential is my office manager and staff.”
Bahadur loves to travel to recharge and feels lucky to have female friend groups that include her book club and 'ladies in medicine' group. “These groups serve as a valuable resource for advice on a multitude of topics. Their collective wisdom helps me decompress, gain perspective, and reminds me that others have similar trials and tribulations,” she said.
Youngblood suggests talking with your partner about ways to share the load. “Open communication can help avoid resentment and ensure that everyone feels appreciated for their efforts,” she said. “Take steps to reduce the mental load by delegating, prioritizing self-care, and allowing time for hobbies, personal interests and friends.”
It's important to ask for professional help if you feel overwhelmed. “Therapy is more
available now with telehealth options and providers
who offer evening and weekend times.
PsychologyToday. com is a great resource to
find a local provider who
meets your individual needs,” she says.
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| September 2024