As a working mother, balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of motherhood can be challenging. From juggling work deadlines to school pick-ups and drop-offs, it can sometimes feel like there are not enough hours in the day.
However, with some thoughtful planning and a few helpful tips, it is possible to achieve a healthy work-life balance that allows you to excel in both your career and your role as a mother.
Create routines
Creating a routine is one of the most helpful tips for balancing motherhood and work. Both you and your kids will thrive when you do so. You can start by determining your priorities and then set a schedule that works for you and your family. This means setting aside dedicated time blocks for work and your kids.
For instance, you can decide that after work, you will spend an hour or two with your kids, catching up on how the day was, doing homework, etc. Then by 8 pm, you put them to bed and get started with your work assignments for about an hour before you retire to bed.
Doing this every day will give you control of your time. Also, setting routines for your children can help them feel more secure and give them a sense of structure.
Prioritise self-care
When did you last take the time to do what you love? If you cannot remember, it may be time to prioritize self-care. Self-care is essential for working mothers who are juggling multiple responsibilities. It means focusing on your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Self-care can take many forms; it could be reading a book, going for a walk, taking a bubble bath, meditation, playing games at Juicy Casino, or indulging in your favorite hobby. The key is to find activities that help you relax and recharge.
Prioritizing self-care can help you feel more energized and focused, which can ultimately benefit your work and your family. It can also help you avoid burnout and stress, which can have negative effects on your health and well-being. Remember, you can never pour from an empty cup, so fill yours first.
Ask for help
You do not always have to be a supermom or a super employee. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. While many might think it is a sign of weakness, it is actually a sign of strength. It takes courage to ask someone to step in when you feel like you can not do something at a given time.
You can request assistance in a variety of ways. Asking a family member, friend, or coworker to assist you with a specific task, like picking up your child from school or covering a meeting at work. To assist you in managing your domestic duties, you might also consider hiring a babysitter or cleaning service.
Also, you can join a support group or look for a mentor who has managed to juggle motherhood and work. People who can relate to your circumstances might offer helpful emotional support and practical solutions.
Learn to say No
You may often find yourself accepting things you did not want to do just because you felt the need to please someone else. What that does is it creates unnecessary stress and takes away time and energy that could be spent on more important things.
Remember that you have the right to say no without feeling guilty or ashamed. Also, when saying no, there is no need to explain yourself further- it is a complete sentence.
Utilize technology
Technology can be a valuable tool for balancing work and motherhood. Tools like scheduling apps, video conferencing, and online grocery shopping can help you save time and streamline your tasks.
Set boundaries
It is easy for working mothers to get overwhelmed with their responsibilities at work and at home. Your family and colleagues need to understand these boundaries. For instance, you can let your kids know that they should not disturb you when you are working in the evenings. Similarly, you could set a boundary that you will not take work calls or check your email during family time.
Keep in mind that setting boundaries is not being selfish. It’s a way to ensure that you have a healthy work-life balance and that you can be the best employee, mother, and person you can be.
Be present
It is very easy to get lost in the chaos of balancing work and motherhood. However, being present in the moment will help you feel more fulfilled in your work and personal life.
One way to be present is to practice mindfulness. It can be practiced through meditation, deep breathing, or simply by paying attention to your thoughts and sensations.
When you are at work, be fully present and focus on your work tasks. When you are with your family, be fully present and focus on spending quality time with them.
Wrapping up
Balancing work and motherhood can be challenging but possible with some planning and effort. By following these tips, you can strike a good balance between work and motherhood and be good at both of them.
