I certainly do not feel like I have the authority to be writing about “Work-Life Balance Tips for Working Moms” because it has been a living reality for me for years! It is hard, especially during this pandemic where the structure and balance that you once knew is thrown on its head.
Here are 4 Work-Life Balance Hacks that I swear will make working mom life a little easier:
Eat. For the love of God, make time to eat. Your body needs energy and nutrients so you can take on everything on your to-do list. So many times I find I am quick to skip a meal in favour of answering an email or answering a phone call. I find myself making sure my kid is fed without making something for me to eat as well. Taking that time to give your body what it needs will ensure you have the energy, focus and self-care basics to be at your best.
Make a Plan. I operate four planners at any given time: a monthly planner, a weekly planner, a daily planner and, well, my work calendar. Without them, I would have no idea what my priorities are and what needs to get completed each day; it gives my life structure in the chaos. I will often say, all while my son groans and rolls his eyes at me, “fail to plan, plan to fail”.
Schedule Time for Yourself. I am unbelievably guilty of this, as most are: I break plans with myself. It is easier to skip over the plans I make with myself in order to meet the needs of others. I can’t tell you how many yoga classes I missed, or books I’d love to read, or movies I planned on watching but didn’t just to make sure I was meeting the needs of others. I know I am not the only one who generally downplays the importance of what I need to fill my own cup. You need time for yourself so that you can give things to others. When we are empty and drained, we have nothing in us to give.
Be Compassionate with Yourself. Go easy on yourself. I am the worst at this – I hold myself to a standard that almost no one can live up to. Have you felt like this before? Remember, you’re not alone. I know that when things go wrong in my life, it can feel very lonely. Be easy and more gentle with yourself, you are doing the best you can and it's amazing!
Balance is not an end destination, but a journey that is always changing. Make sure you ask yourself: what do I need? It’s remarkable what you will tell yourself if you just take time to listen.
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Lauren M. Angle, B.A. (Hons), J.D. Angle Law #workingmom #worklifebalance #workmombalance