Approximately 66.4 percent of mothers with children under the age of six are employed. Although many mothers have jobs, roughly 23 percent of them turn down promotions because they cannot balance work and parenting.
The truth is that women in the workplace face unique challenges, especially if they are mothers.
What’s the secret to staying balanced? This article will share eight tips that can help you to strike a balance as a working woman!
1. Learn Time Management Techniques
Do you constantly feel like there isn’t enough time in the day? If so, it’s time to reevaluate your time management techniques. You may find that you have plenty of time, but you aren’t using it wisely.
Here are a few time management suggestions that can help you get more done!
Use a Planner
Whether digital or on paper, using a planner can help you keep track of your appointments and time block the activities you need to get done. Furthermore, seeing the week or day at a glance can put your day into perspective and help you stay productive. Of course, you shouldn’t overbook yourself so much that you never have a free minute.
Delegate
It can be hard to assign tasks to others, especially if you would like to do them yourself. There are only 24 hours in the day, so teaching your children to prepare basic meals or clean their rooms will save you a lot of time.
Identify Your Time Wasters
Social media has its place, but it can easily eat up hours of the day. The same is true about watching TV, browsing the internet, or online shopping.
The best way to recognize your time wasters, especially those using electronic devices, is using time management apps on your phone. They can provide you with detailed reports of where you are using your time, and you can use this information to adjust your habits and become more productive.
2. Set Boundaries
If you’re working from home, it’s crucial to be firm about your working hours and avoid distractions from your family or friends during this time.
Conversely, you should avoid allowing your work to spill over into your quality time with your family or leave you without time for hobbies or relaxation.
You may find it helpful to do all your work in a designated area of your home, such as an office. Remind your children not to bother you when you are in this space so you can get your work done.
Finally, when your working hours are finished, shut off your computer and leave your job until tomorrow, if possible.
3. Utilize Helpful Resources
With so much data at our fingertips, it can be hard to discover the resources that will actually help you get more done and lighten your load. Nevertheless, they do exist!
Take the time to research and bookmark websites or tools that can help you at work and in your personal life, such as the best pediatric websites.
4. Focus on Your Health
When you’re busy, exercise and meal preparation are the last things that you want to do. Yet, these can help you manage your stress level by reducing adrenaline and cortisol, stress hormones. Exercise also promotes the production of endorphins, which make you feel happier and give you a boost of energy.
Another important way to ensure that you stay healthy despite your busy schedule is getting enough rest. If you stay up working late into the night, you’ll feel sluggish the next day, but you’ll also increase your likelihood of getting sick or developing serious health problems. So, take the time to get right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep!
5. Take Time to Enjoy Your Hobbies
Hobbies are essential for working moms. They give you something to enjoy when you feel stressed out or overwhelmed, and they can help you relieve your frustration. Moreover, your hobbies can help you express your creativity and build your confidence.
Therefore, make sure to make time for your hobbies at least once a week, and if you can, share them with your family. You may find that the things you love are great opportunities to bond with your loved ones.
6. Nurture Your Relationships
Another way to find the balance between your work and family is by taking time to be with your family without distractions. That might mean turning off your cell phone for an hour or two or going out of town for the weekend.
You may also find it helpful for you and your spouse to schedule date nights away from the kids and work talk. These moments can keep your relationship strong and allow you the opportunity to focus on your love for each other.
7. Wake Up Early
The early morning hours before the kids wake up are quiet and peaceful, so you can take advantage of this time to tackle the most difficult items on your to-do list. Whether that means getting some work done, house cleaning, preparing meals, or exercising, these hours are crucial to productivity.
8. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Being a mom, wife, and employee puts a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. If you feel like you are being pulled in a million directions, try taking a break or asking for help.
Most importantly, remember that you won’t always do everything perfectly, and that’s okay. Just try to do your best, and when you have bad days, forgive yourself and start over.
Balance is Possible for a Working Woman
Despite all the challenges that you face as a working woman, these tips can help you put all your responsibilities into place. Of course, everyone’s circumstances are unique, so find what works for you. Once you do, be consistent, stay productive, and remember to schedule time for yourself!
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