“How do you do it all?” or “Where do you find the time?”
I often get asked these questions about how I manage to work full time, be a Mom, run my blog and make time for my husband and myself. My answer usually is “I just do” ha ha but I often get asked to share some tips which I haven’t really put much thought into until recently.
The past year and a bit has also brought on unique circumstances which has put additional pressure on Moms, so I thought I’d reflect and share some strategies that help me find the balance.
Tips For Finding Work-Life Balance As A Mom
Here are some of my tips that help me strike that elusive work-life balance.
Staying In A Positive Mindset
I have a strong inclination to avoid negative energy and this is probably the best tip I can give you. Be aware of what or who drains your energy and step away from it. I have learned this the hard way, but once I started removing myself from situations I was able to focus on what really matters to me and my family.
Who and what you choose to surround yourself with makes a huge difference.
Plan Ahead
My Sunday afternoons or sometimes Friday afternoons (when I want a completely free weekend) is when I plan my week ahead so I can mentally prepare for the week ahead of me. This includes looking at my deadlines and meetings for the week, checking the kids schedules, content planning for my blog and social media and also building in some time for me to do something for me!
I also schedule in my workouts as I know how much more energised I am on days that I workout, so I make sure there is no excuse to miss a day!
Order Online
If there is one thing this whole pandemic has taught me is that you can buy anything online! I barely go to the shops these days unless I urgently need something and it has really given me so much additional time to spend on other things.
For grocery shopping, I have saved shopping lists which is basically the stuff we use each and every week so I really just need to add the top up items to mu cart. This is such a huge time saver – no driving to the mall, paying for parking or standing in queues.
Be Flexible
This new way of working and living no longer allows for a 9am-5pm kind of day. While some people like routine and try their best to stick to those hours, it doesn’t work for everyone.
I’ve always been a multi-tasker and sometimes that means working on weekends but it can also mean taking an afternoon off to take Alyssa on a girls date!
Having A Seperate Work Space
Studies show that working from home is a lot less stressful if you have a dedicated work space. I can totally vouch for this! Since our home office has been set up and I have my own dedicated work space and so does Kurt- our quality of life has improved.
Home now feels like home and the office feels like work. I’m also a lot more creative, focused and motivated to get things done when I’m in this space.
Take Care Of Yourself
Last but not least – taking care of yourself may mean different things to different people. For me it’s getting my workouts in, going for a drive on my own, listening to a good playlist while taking a bubble bath.
You know what soothes your soul – so make sure you do this at least once a week to fill your cup!
What do you do to fill your cup? I would love to hear.
xxx
Hayley