The ability to balance work and family life can be difficult, but with a little knowledge and planning, you can make it work for you.
Many of us wear many hats – wife, mother, worker, entrepreneur, friend, caretaker, the list is ongoing. We strive to give all areas our absolute best and often put taking care of ourselves at the bottom of our to-do lists.
Here are ten tips that will help you balance your work life and home life and make the most of both your personal and professional life and not shortchanging yourself and those around you.
1. Set realistic goals. It’s pretty much a given fact that if you want to achieve something big, you have to make some sacrifices. While the select few can manage, most people can’t become a CEO and run a successful household. When setting your goals, be realistic and don’t stretch yourself too thin.
Free Printable: Be SMART With Your Goals
2. Make schedules. Keeping track of work and your family can be difficult to plan. Try to keep a set schedule from day to day and week to week if you can. Always remember to make a written schedule and give everyone a copy.
3. Take time for yourself. It’s a natural instinct of mothers to sacrifice themselves for the good of their family. However, it’s important to remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. Try to schedule in at least a few minutes of “you time”, whether it be going for a run, watching your favorite TV show, or just sitting in a room by yourself to relax for a few minutes.
Related Article: Simple Ways To Make Yourself A Priority
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4. Work from home. If you can do your work over the Internet or phone, you may be able to swing working at least part of the time from home, giving you more time to spend with your family. Just remember that there are a lot more things at home to distract you from getting your work done.
5. Get some exercise. Working out is not only a great way to stay healthy and gain energy, it’s also a great way to spend time with your kids. Instead of hitting the gym, go play ball in the park or take them for a walk.
Related Article: How To Add A Little Extra Exercise To Your Day
6. Take advantage of leave. Most jobs allow you a certain amount of leave, but a lot of us end up not using it. Make sure you know how much time you have and take it, whether you go on a vacation with your family or just use it to take a well-deserved rest day every so often.
7. Prioritize. When making your to-do lists, figure out the things that are most important for you to do and get them done first. If there isn’t enough time to do everything, you won’t feel as bad about what you have to cut.
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8. Take classes. As many people will tell you, there’s no manual on how to be a good parent and have a successful career. But if you search around your community, you can find classes and seminars from people that have been where you are and managed to do well. They can give you inspiration along with helpful tips and tidbits to get through your day.
9. Watch for burn out. Even if you schedule everything, take breaks, and do everything else above, what you’re doing may just be too much for you. Watch yourself for changes in mood or physical problems. They could be a sign that you’re burnt out and need to make some changes to your plans. Remember, your health is important too.
10. Learn to say no. If you want to have a successful career and family life, you will have to learn to say no occasionally. If you try to do everything, you’re going to burn yourself out and not be able to take care of anyone. Being a good employee and a good parent doesn’t mean you need to do everything you’re asked.
Melanie says
This is such a difficult subject. As a working mom I struggle with this every day. This is a great list with so many good ideas. I’m going to print this out for inspiration. And I tend to say yes to too many people. Time to start cutting back on that.
Michelle says
Melanie, I can definitely relate! No isn’t a dirty word and we have to force ourselves to use it more often.
Victoria says
This is such a great post. However, it is something that can be hard for me since I am a work at home mom. I am going to have to implement some of the tips that you shared for sure.
Michelle says
Victoria, your dilemma is one that I’ve heard expressed numerous times. Creating boundaries and schedules makes a huge difference. Best of luck to you!
Jamie | North of Something says
I agree that giving yourself a break is a really important thing to do, but sometimes you have to schedule it in and make it happen no matter what. I need to make more time to work out, but I just keep putting it off. Thanks for the ideas!
Michelle says
So very true! There’s nothing wrong with putting a date with yourself in your planner and making sure you don’t stand yourself up.
Samantha Angell says
This comes at the perfect time for me. Lately, I’ve been feeling a little bit burned out between my MBA classes, blogging, and general household work. I’ve realized that I’ve just been working myself to the bone, and I need to give myself a day off a week. Otherwise, every single day I am doing MBA stuff and blogging, and therefore never get a day off.
Parent Xpress (@HPXpress) says
These are great tips! I work at home and I try to make sure, that I set clear boundaries. I work, from 9am until 3pm and put system’s in place to make sure it happens. I use Google Stay focus during the day and it has made my productivity, so much better as well.
mykidsguide says
Awesome tips, I agree with how some people make too many unrealistic goals; we have to start small and build up to bigger things!
tammileetips says
So true on working from home having so many distractions! I would be so lost with out having a schedule and set routine to follow. These are really great tips so often finding balance can seem impossible but taking it a step at a time is really helpful in the process.
Nancy (@spiffykerms) says
Some of my goals this year is to slow down, and do one thing at a time. Things get done better that way, and so much more attention goes to that activity rather than multi-tasking all the time.
Making schedules is a huge part of my daily life, I advise everyone to do it – it’s so helpful right?
Sometimes it’s so hard to actually get out the door to exercise, but in reality, once you do it – you’ll get MORE energy in doing so. Then again, I”m a hypocrite and haven’t worked out in a few months…..
Jeanine says
Ugh hit send too soon wanted to also mention the learn to say no…. I am still struggling with that one. I tend to say yes to everyone and everything which equals burn out quite a bit. So that is for sure one to think about and focus on!
Jeanine says
Really great tips! It’s exactly how I handled everything when I was working too! So sounds great to me!