Question

“I have a job that requires my smile. For that, a lot of people think I am always happy. But in truth, that is not the case at all. Especially these days I have no motivation for anything and my migraines have gotten worse”

Answer

Often workers, especially those in the service industry, are subjected to emotional labor. This type of behavior required in emotional labor is called ‘surface acting.’ It refers to an act toward clients, regardless of one’s own mood. Kind and caring treatment towards all clients in various working conditions is required. At times the workers need to put their professional roles ahead of their physical or emotional hardships.

Some workers of the emotional labor industry have said this.

“I don’t know what I’m feeling. I don’t know which is the real me. I don’t even feel intimacy when I’m with my family” For these people, it seems that their professional training to give service comes out automatically even when they are with their family.

1

The very first step is to own your emotions. Your work and your emotions must be separated. Make some time for yourself to subdue your emotions and to ‘self-reflect’ upon all your emotions. Through self-reflection you can recognize your own emotions and recover your ‘self’.

2

It is also important to receive emotional warmth from people who are close to you. Maintaining and nurturing your emotions through good relations with your coworkers, family, friends, colleagues and others around you will be remarkably helpful.

3

At times, it is necessary to have a hobby that allows you to shake off the emotions (ex. vigorous exercise).