subject: Balancing Work And Play For Working Mums Through Proper Time Management [print this page] Working mums always have a thing or two in their hands. Whether it is work demands or requests of family members, we always have our hands full. This operates in a cycle, a nonstop motion of doing, going and giving so much. Studies back up findings that reveal uneven labour division among couples ' a reality most of us accept too readily. Working mums always face the challenges of trying to be the perfect wife and mother while keeping up with their jobs. Women are experts when it comes to juggling work, family life and even community work. What we aren't good at is taking care of ourselves. If striking a balance in life and letting go of guilt is an issue to you, online coaching could show you the answers.
As working mums, we tend to dismiss how significant it is to find time for ourselves. Caring for yourself is a necessity, not a privilege. The fallout of a constant go-go-go state of being can be dangerous as failing to make time for ourselves takes its toll, physically and mentally. Most women are quick to cut corners on three of the most critical elements of our health and well-being: diet and exercise, sleep and mental health. However, it is when we're dealing with a hectic schedule that it is important to think about how much of ourselves are we giving away. Here are some ways to bring your energy back and create a balance between mind and body.
Follow your own advice! You make nutritious dinners ahead of time, add apples and carrot sticks to your child's lunch, and choose cholesterol-reduced recipes for Hubby's heart health. Yet, how many of us rely on fizzy drinks and chocolate bars for an energy boost while rushing through the daily grind? By heeding the nutritional advice you pass on to your family, you'll be stocking your body with all the essentials and setting an example for the wee ones. Pack-lunching it is both economical and ensures you'll be fuelling your mind and body with the proper nutrients it needs to get through the day. Keep a stash of healthy snacks like almonds in your office to keep your blood sugar stable and avoid late-night overeating. Set aside twenty minutes of your lunch for a brisk walk and make a point of stretching once an hour. The consequences of short bursts of exercise are more revitalizing and enduring than those of your preferred coffee flavours.
Lights out, Mum! Fatigue. It's probably the most oft-cited complaint of the working mothers I know. How many times have you skimped on sleep to meet a deadline or watch over a feverish child at 3am? Sleep deprivation causes irritability, diminished concentration, high blood pressure, and depression, so by building up a sleep debt, working mums are essentially hindering their ability to get things done. Before you affect your efficiency, try to keep your Blackberries away and shut down your computer a few hours before bedtime. Working late into the night not only leaves your brain over-stimulated, but it sets you up for a night of tossing and turning if you're preoccupied with tomorrow's to-do list.
Invest in Yourself. Achieving a work-life balance is one of the biggest challenges we face. When we neglect "me-time", we run the risk of losing ourselves and stifling our souls. So, ladies, it's time to lose the guilt and invest in you! Pencil in a monthly brunch or margarita with the girls, or hire a babysitter for an afternoon and indulge in a manicure or an extra hour of sleep. Set yourself free from controlling everything and admit to yourself that your carpets will never again be immaculate. Whether it's knitting, yoga, or a glass of wine with dinner, practise the strategies of relaxation that work best for you.
Instead of allowing the "shoulds" to dictate your schedule, realise that reflection and self-care are necessary in keeping the balance in our "round the clock" lives. Scheduling some professional coaching can help you realise the benefits of "me-time" and show you how to fit it into your busy life without feeling bad about it. Because, as the infamous advert goes, you're worth it!
