Putting on a smile at work is a shared experience that many commonly feel in their career. People swallow their emotions all the time to keep the peace and avoid bringing personal problems upon others. This type of labor, called emotional labor, can result in a big cost to your mental health if not addressed.

What is Emotional Labor?Emotional labor is a form of emotional regulation that requires you to suppress your feelings (whether that’s a negative emotion or even positive emotion) for the sake of others. The term can also refer to small, unpaid tasks people complete to keep others happy. Over time, swallowing your feelings can lead to stress, happiness, and burnout, which is why it’s essential to find ways to ease your burden.Keep reading to learn more about emotional labor, including the types you might experience, examples, and how to cope if you’re struggling.Couples Therapy OnlineStrengthen your relationship through couples therapy you can participate in together or apart, at your convenience.Learn more

What is Emotional Labor?

Emotional labor is a form of emotional regulation that requires you to suppress your feelings (whether that’s a negative emotion or even positive emotion) for the sake of others. The term can also refer to small, unpaid tasks people complete to keep others happy. Over time, swallowing your feelings can lead to stress, happiness, and burnout, which is why it’s essential to find ways to ease your burden.Keep reading to learn more about emotional labor, including the types you might experience, examples, and how to cope if you’re struggling.Couples Therapy OnlineStrengthen your relationship through couples therapy you can participate in together or apart, at your convenience.Learn more

Emotional labor is a form of emotional regulation that requires you to suppress your feelings (whether that’s a negative emotion or even positive emotion) for the sake of others. The term can also refer to small, unpaid tasks people complete to keep others happy. Over time, swallowing your feelings can lead to stress, happiness, and burnout, which is why it’s essential to find ways to ease your burden.

Keep reading to learn more about emotional labor, including the types you might experience, examples, and how to cope if you’re struggling.

Couples Therapy OnlineStrengthen your relationship through couples therapy you can participate in together or apart, at your convenience.Learn more

Couples Therapy OnlineStrengthen your relationship through couples therapy you can participate in together or apart, at your convenience.

Couples Therapy Online

Strengthen your relationship through couples therapy you can participate in together or apart, at your convenience.

Learn more

Types of Emotional LaborWhen you ask questions likewhat is emotional labor, it’s important to consider where the term originated. Sociologists like Dr. Arlie Hochschild have divided emotional labor into two main categories: surface acting and deep acting.“Emotional labor takes place in almost any setting — work, romantic relationships, friendships, family life, and even online. Given that, it’s easy to see how depleting it can be if you’re facing emotional labor in one or more of these realms.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.Surface actingSurface acting involves hiding your true emotions and pretending that you feel differently. While it doesn’t require you to actually change your feelings, it does ask you to present emotions you don’t really feel.Studiesshow that surface acting can be a significant source of stress. You might see this type of emotional work in the workplace as emotional regulation is very common there.“It may be something like a boss requiring you to serve each customer with a smile even if a customer is rude, and then going home.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.Deep actingDeep acting is a lengthy process in which people work to change their feelings to match the expectations of others. For example, someone might practice meditation to feel happier on the job. While deep acting requires more effort than surface acting,researchsuggests that surface acting causes more harm.“Deep acting might result from your partner expecting you to be the one who manages to get the groceries and arrange a child’s doctor appointments and the dog’s vet visits. It all adds up to invisible efforts that are mentally exhausting.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.

Types of Emotional Labor

When you ask questions likewhat is emotional labor, it’s important to consider where the term originated. Sociologists like Dr. Arlie Hochschild have divided emotional labor into two main categories: surface acting and deep acting.“Emotional labor takes place in almost any setting — work, romantic relationships, friendships, family life, and even online. Given that, it’s easy to see how depleting it can be if you’re facing emotional labor in one or more of these realms.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.Surface actingSurface acting involves hiding your true emotions and pretending that you feel differently. While it doesn’t require you to actually change your feelings, it does ask you to present emotions you don’t really feel.Studiesshow that surface acting can be a significant source of stress. You might see this type of emotional work in the workplace as emotional regulation is very common there.“It may be something like a boss requiring you to serve each customer with a smile even if a customer is rude, and then going home.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.Deep actingDeep acting is a lengthy process in which people work to change their feelings to match the expectations of others. For example, someone might practice meditation to feel happier on the job. While deep acting requires more effort than surface acting,researchsuggests that surface acting causes more harm.“Deep acting might result from your partner expecting you to be the one who manages to get the groceries and arrange a child’s doctor appointments and the dog’s vet visits. It all adds up to invisible efforts that are mentally exhausting.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.

When you ask questions likewhat is emotional labor, it’s important to consider where the term originated. Sociologists like Dr. Arlie Hochschild have divided emotional labor into two main categories: surface acting and deep acting.

“Emotional labor takes place in almost any setting — work, romantic relationships, friendships, family life, and even online. Given that, it’s easy to see how depleting it can be if you’re facing emotional labor in one or more of these realms.”

Surface acting

Surface acting involves hiding your true emotions and pretending that you feel differently. While it doesn’t require you to actually change your feelings, it does ask you to present emotions you don’t really feel.Studiesshow that surface acting can be a significant source of stress. You might see this type of emotional work in the workplace as emotional regulation is very common there.

“It may be something like a boss requiring you to serve each customer with a smile even if a customer is rude, and then going home.”

Deep acting

Deep acting is a lengthy process in which people work to change their feelings to match the expectations of others. For example, someone might practice meditation to feel happier on the job. While deep acting requires more effort than surface acting,researchsuggests that surface acting causes more harm.

“Deep acting might result from your partner expecting you to be the one who manages to get the groceries and arrange a child’s doctor appointments and the dog’s vet visits. It all adds up to invisible efforts that are mentally exhausting.”

Examples of Emotional LaborWhile the term emotional labor was initially used to refer to interactions in the workplace, now it can be used to discuss a broader range of behaviors. As a result, you can find emotional labor examples in many settings.In the workplaceEmployees may be asked to perform emotional labor in customer interactions or with co-workers. Common examples include:Being told to smile or display cheerful behavior while on the jobNot talking back and behaving professionally even when someone is rude or hurtfulBeing penalized for emotional behavior, like crying at workIn relationshipsWhile professionalism isn’t usually a requirement in personal relationships, people may still feel obligated to suppress their emotions. Common emotional labor examples in relationships include:Burying your feelings to avoid an argumentFeeling pressured to support your partner, even when it’s not reciprocatedTaking on unpaid and unappreciated tasks, like cleaning or childcare, when your partner doesn’t do the sameToo much emotional labor can lead one partner toemotional exhaustion.

Examples of Emotional Labor

While the term emotional labor was initially used to refer to interactions in the workplace, now it can be used to discuss a broader range of behaviors. As a result, you can find emotional labor examples in many settings.In the workplaceEmployees may be asked to perform emotional labor in customer interactions or with co-workers. Common examples include:Being told to smile or display cheerful behavior while on the jobNot talking back and behaving professionally even when someone is rude or hurtfulBeing penalized for emotional behavior, like crying at workIn relationshipsWhile professionalism isn’t usually a requirement in personal relationships, people may still feel obligated to suppress their emotions. Common emotional labor examples in relationships include:Burying your feelings to avoid an argumentFeeling pressured to support your partner, even when it’s not reciprocatedTaking on unpaid and unappreciated tasks, like cleaning or childcare, when your partner doesn’t do the sameToo much emotional labor can lead one partner toemotional exhaustion.

While the term emotional labor was initially used to refer to interactions in the workplace, now it can be used to discuss a broader range of behaviors. As a result, you can find emotional labor examples in many settings.

In the workplace

Employees may be asked to perform emotional labor in customer interactions or with co-workers. Common examples include:

In relationships

While professionalism isn’t usually a requirement in personal relationships, people may still feel obligated to suppress their emotions. Common emotional labor examples in relationships include:

Too much emotional labor can lead one partner toemotional exhaustion.

The Mental Cost of Emotional Labor

“Exhaustion and depletion are two of the most common mental costs of emotional labor as the efforts involved in emotional labor are draining intellectually, emotionally, and sometimes physically. When one person is continually managing the emotional labor tasks at work or in personal relationships, it exacts a mental toll that can be hard to measure until one has a break from it and realizes how depleted they are each day from these often invisible tasks.”

Emotional labor, in excess, can also lead to:

How to Deal with Emotional LaborEmotional labor can be exhausting, but there are several ways to cope with this hidden form of stress. While you won’t always be able to express your true emotions, the right strategies can reduce emotional labor’s toll on your well-being.1. Set emotional boundariesFeeling pressured to behave in a certain way can make you feel like you don’t have control over your life. Settinghealthy boundariescan help you regain a sense of control and prevent burnout. Be bold, say no to tasks you don’t have time for, or speak up when you feel uncomfortable.2. Try mindfulnessMindfulness meditationcan make you more aware of your feelings, even when you can’t express them openly. It can alsohelp you improveyour emotional regulation skills, which can make the pressure of emotional labor more manageable. There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness practices into your day-to-day life.3. Find healthy outletsBottling up your emotions won’t make them go away. Suppressing feelings canput physical stresson your body. Instead of hiding your feelings, find healthy ways to process and express them. Whether you vent to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or use exercise to burn off stress, finding ways to let your feelings out is important.4. Practice self-careEven though emotional labor is unseen, it takes a great deal of effort andself-careis important. When you’re engaging in stressful activities, take care of yourself. Set aside time for relaxation and give yourself a chance to recuperate when you’re feeling drained.5. Take a breakIf emotional labor is starting to feel like too much, it’s okay to give yourself a break. A short break can help you to recharge after a draining experience.Studiesshow that taking rest breaks throughout the day can reduce stress and increase productivity.“Recognizing the toll of emotional labor is the first step, since so many people have come to accept “this is just how it is.” Find support to discuss how it impacts your life. It could be a trusted friend, a moms’ group, a group of co-workers, or a licensed therapist. Beginning to make small changes to decrease the emotional labor you’re doing can go a long way to lessen the exhaustion and stress.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.

How to Deal with Emotional Labor

Emotional labor can be exhausting, but there are several ways to cope with this hidden form of stress. While you won’t always be able to express your true emotions, the right strategies can reduce emotional labor’s toll on your well-being.1. Set emotional boundariesFeeling pressured to behave in a certain way can make you feel like you don’t have control over your life. Settinghealthy boundariescan help you regain a sense of control and prevent burnout. Be bold, say no to tasks you don’t have time for, or speak up when you feel uncomfortable.2. Try mindfulnessMindfulness meditationcan make you more aware of your feelings, even when you can’t express them openly. It can alsohelp you improveyour emotional regulation skills, which can make the pressure of emotional labor more manageable. There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness practices into your day-to-day life.3. Find healthy outletsBottling up your emotions won’t make them go away. Suppressing feelings canput physical stresson your body. Instead of hiding your feelings, find healthy ways to process and express them. Whether you vent to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or use exercise to burn off stress, finding ways to let your feelings out is important.4. Practice self-careEven though emotional labor is unseen, it takes a great deal of effort andself-careis important. When you’re engaging in stressful activities, take care of yourself. Set aside time for relaxation and give yourself a chance to recuperate when you’re feeling drained.5. Take a breakIf emotional labor is starting to feel like too much, it’s okay to give yourself a break. A short break can help you to recharge after a draining experience.Studiesshow that taking rest breaks throughout the day can reduce stress and increase productivity.“Recognizing the toll of emotional labor is the first step, since so many people have come to accept “this is just how it is.” Find support to discuss how it impacts your life. It could be a trusted friend, a moms’ group, a group of co-workers, or a licensed therapist. Beginning to make small changes to decrease the emotional labor you’re doing can go a long way to lessen the exhaustion and stress.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH.

Emotional labor can be exhausting, but there are several ways to cope with this hidden form of stress. While you won’t always be able to express your true emotions, the right strategies can reduce emotional labor’s toll on your well-being.

1. Set emotional boundaries

Feeling pressured to behave in a certain way can make you feel like you don’t have control over your life. Settinghealthy boundariescan help you regain a sense of control and prevent burnout. Be bold, say no to tasks you don’t have time for, or speak up when you feel uncomfortable.

2. Try mindfulness

Mindfulness meditationcan make you more aware of your feelings, even when you can’t express them openly. It can alsohelp you improveyour emotional regulation skills, which can make the pressure of emotional labor more manageable. There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness practices into your day-to-day life.

3. Find healthy outlets

Bottling up your emotions won’t make them go away. Suppressing feelings canput physical stresson your body. Instead of hiding your feelings, find healthy ways to process and express them. Whether you vent to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or use exercise to burn off stress, finding ways to let your feelings out is important.

4. Practice self-care

Even though emotional labor is unseen, it takes a great deal of effort andself-careis important. When you’re engaging in stressful activities, take care of yourself. Set aside time for relaxation and give yourself a chance to recuperate when you’re feeling drained.

5. Take a break

If emotional labor is starting to feel like too much, it’s okay to give yourself a break. A short break can help you to recharge after a draining experience.Studiesshow that taking rest breaks throughout the day can reduce stress and increase productivity.

“Recognizing the toll of emotional labor is the first step, since so many people have come to accept “this is just how it is.” Find support to discuss how it impacts your life. It could be a trusted friend, a moms’ group, a group of co-workers, or a licensed therapist. Beginning to make small changes to decrease the emotional labor you’re doing can go a long way to lessen the exhaustion and stress.”

Learning to Cope with TalkspaceWhile emotional labor is essential in some environments, it can still be challenging to manage. When you feel obligated to perform specific tasks or behave a certain way, it can be hard to express your true feelings. With the help ofonline therapyat Talkspace, you can learn to manage emotional labor healthily, get adequate emotional support, and learn better emotion management.Your therapist can answer questions aboutemotional labor and help you understand how this process impacts your day-to-day life. If emotional labor leaves you drained, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talkspace can give you ways to cope.

Learning to Cope with Talkspace

While emotional labor is essential in some environments, it can still be challenging to manage. When you feel obligated to perform specific tasks or behave a certain way, it can be hard to express your true feelings. With the help ofonline therapyat Talkspace, you can learn to manage emotional labor healthily, get adequate emotional support, and learn better emotion management.Your therapist can answer questions aboutemotional labor and help you understand how this process impacts your day-to-day life. If emotional labor leaves you drained, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talkspace can give you ways to cope.

While emotional labor is essential in some environments, it can still be challenging to manage. When you feel obligated to perform specific tasks or behave a certain way, it can be hard to express your true feelings. With the help ofonline therapyat Talkspace, you can learn to manage emotional labor healthily, get adequate emotional support, and learn better emotion management.

Your therapist can answer questions aboutemotional labor and help you understand how this process impacts your day-to-day life. If emotional labor leaves you drained, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talkspace can give you ways to cope.

Sources:

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