Methods to Help Your Partner Manage Work Stress

Work stress can be harmful to your mental health due to the mental fatigue and overwhelming heaviness that come with it. Even if you can handle your work...

Marriage
June 26, 2025

Work stress can be harmful to your mental health due to the mental fatigue and overwhelming heaviness that come with it. Even if you can handle your work stress well, your partner may not be able to take theirs, and you may need to help your partner manage work stress. An excellent method of helping them is by engaging in decompression together. Decompression involves consciously putting aside work-related talk and equipment to focus on only relaxing activities that will ensure the reduction of stress.

Also, you can help your partner with work by giving them gentle, straight insights about their performance or attitude at work. Your partner's inability to complete a task efficiently may be the reason for the added stress at work, but they may not notice. Furthermore, listening to them wholeheartedly will help them cope with work stress because it will allow them to talk extensively about the stress. Ensure that when you are listening to them, you avoid distractions.

Be sure to read on for a comprehensive overview of the methods to help your partner manage work stress:

Decompress With Them

Decompression involves relaxing the body and mind after a hectic time spent working. Everyone uses this technique in varying manners, and it can help your partner manage work stress if you spend time with them during decompression. A great way you can decompress together is to engage in massages. You can create time to massage each other after a long day at work.

Be sure to rub your partner's lower back, neck, shoulders, and head. You can also decompress with them by taking a walk around the block. Walking helps to relieve tension and become mindful of hidden thoughts. While walking with your partner, your presence will also give them a sense of security against all their troubles.

Furthermore, they can decompress by taking a day off to enjoy life and its exciting activities. If they do this while you are free, it will be fantastic to spend time with them. Spending time with them on their day off will give them immense fulfillment.

Offer Objective Insights

Dealing with work may get so overwhelming for your partner that they may begin to make minor errors or slips of judgment. If you can pick up on these and offer great advice, you can help your partner manage work stress. When giving advice, ensure it is positive and gentle. A great way to ensure this is by putting yourself in their shoes and thinking about how you would want to hear advice.

Also, provide selfless advice tailored to help them with the situation. If your suggestion has selfish motives, it’s best to refrain from giving it. Make sure to ask if they would like your advice before offering it. They may not want unsolicited advice at that point, so confirming if they seek your insights or prefer to solve it on their own will be beneficial.

Listen

Listening to your partner's overwhelming troubles helps you understand their feelings better and builds a stronger emotional bond. You can also support them in managing work stress through active listening. When listening, create mental space to reflect on their worries and relate them to your own struggles, helping you understand their stress and how best to support them.

It’s important to listen without bias, even when their work issues differ from your own perspective. Set aside your thoughts and focus on hearing everything they have to say. Be as loving as possible while listening, offering attentive body language and soft touches to show you care and are engaged in their conversation.

Encourage External Friendships and Interests

Maintaining friendships and pursuing personal interests can help reduce general stress. You can assist your partner in managing work stress by encouraging them to spend time with friends and engage in activities they enjoy. A great way to promote this is by signing your partner up for community events, where they can meet new people and bond over shared interests.

You can also encourage them to volunteer for causes they are passionate about, connecting with like-minded individuals. Suggesting casual get-togethers, like movie dates or lunch with friends, can help your partner unwind. Additionally, recommending friends for shopping or fun outings can provide opportunities for relaxation and connection.

two people sitting on the edge of a dock overlooking the water

Offer Support

Being supportive of your partner's work can help them feel better despite their busy schedule. To help manage their work stress effectively, offer regular support, such as believing in their abilities to succeed and complete their tasks. Doubting them may add to their stress, so positive reinforcement is crucial.

Use only supportive language when talking about their stress and avoid comparing it to your own struggles. Sometimes, it may not be the right moment to give advice due to emotional vulnerability, so suggesting a better time to discuss the issue can be helpful. This approach allows for a more constructive and empathetic conversation.

Conclusion

In a blissful marriage, there is a provision of thoughtful solutions to each other's problems by both partners. You can help your partner manage work stress by decompressing with them, listening to them, offering objective insights into their work, encouraging external friendships or interests, and offering support.

Resources

https://zenhabits.net/12-ways-to-decompress-after-high-stress/

https://www.elitedaily.com/p/how-to-give-your-partner-advice-without-sounding-negative-controlling-8432853

https://www.symbis.com/blog/5-ways-good-listener-spouse/

https://hbr.org/2018/08/how-to-help-your-spouse-cope-with-work-stress

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/steps-to-becoming-a-supportive-partner/

Author

Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions

Questions about Marriage

How can I make quality time for my spouse if we have busy schedules?

Prioritizing quality time together can be challenging with busy schedules, but it's important to make it a priority. Schedule date nights or make the most of the time you do have together, such as during meals or by planning activities that are quick and easy to do.

How long does it take to overcome overthinking in relationships?

The time it takes to overcome overthinking will vary depending on each individual's situation. Some people may see improvement after just a few sessions with a therapist, while others may need more time to work through underlying issues that contribute to their overthinking patterns. The important thing is to be patient with yourself and stay committed to taking steps toward overcoming overthinking in your relationship.

When should I consider going to therapy?

If you're struggling with abandonment issues, it may be helpful to seek professional support. Consider consulting a mental health professional if your feelings of fear or insecurity are impacting your relationships or daily functioning. No matter what, it's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. Taking this step can be an important part of overcoming abandonment issues and improving overall well-being.

Do I need a referral from my primary care manager (PCM) for marriage counseling?

For most Tricare plans, you do not need a referral for outpatient mental health services, however, it's always best to check with your specific plan.

How can we keep things fun and spontaneous in our marriage?

Be open to trying new things and be spontaneous in your everyday life. Plan dates or activities that are out of the norm, even if they are simple. Keep things light and don't be afraid to be silly or playful.

How can we tell if couples therapy is working?

Signs that therapy is working can include improved communication, better conflict resolution, and increased relationship satisfaction. However, progress can sometimes be slow and it's important to be patient.

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