As moms, we can often become so over-involved in our daily agendas and activities that we fail to remember to complete the basic, everyday tasks that will sustain our success. The challenges of harmonizing our personal and professional lives in today’s fast-paced world is a considerable trial we are often faced with. It is very easy to become overwhelmed by the strain of managing family, career, technology, and money. Oftentimes it seems there are not enough minutes in a day to complete all the activities we need, want, or have to do. Thus our work/life balance becomes strained.
One of the most pressing problems is not being able to balance our professional and personal lives. Balancing these two aspects of our lives involves creating adjustments to the various facets of our dynamic lives and prioritizing their significance by creating a positive work/life balance.
Whether you are working inside or outside of the home, having a career is an essential part of life. Being a good parent, friend, and spouse is just as important, as is taking time for you. When you’re trying to coordinate all these aspects of your life at the same time, some things will become more neglected as other aspects demand more focus.
Fine-tuning your schedule to accommodate the burden of personal and professional matters will always be challenging, but it isn’t completely unattainable.
Having been in the fast-paced world of the United States Air Force many years, I have learned that in order for it all to work I have to occasionally place myself at the top of my priorities list without feeling guilty. Honestly, I have learned over the years that managing multiple priorities at the same time can be quite motivating. This can be challenging sometimes when it seems as though I have too much on my plate. Often, I still need to immediately re-evaluate my priorities if I start to feel a overwhelmed with tasks in my personal and professional life.
If you’re sensing that you don’t have enough time in the day to complete all the activities you need, want, or have to do, then you should take important steps towards finding and producing a workable schedule so you can have the perfect work/life lifestyle you desire.
Below is a list of important tips to help you sustain a positive work/life balance:
- Realize that you cannot do it all alone. Enlist help from a spouse, family member, or friend when things get too tough.
- Do not over-commit yourself; learn to say “no.”
- Remember to regularly spend quality time with family and friends.
- Take time for yourself by scheduling specific time during the day for exercise and relaxation.
- Get out of the house and have fun at least once a week. This can be as simple as going to a movie, the theater, sporting event, or other recreational activities.
- Set aside a little time each night to de-compress and meditate before going to sleep.
- Take a vacation or stay-cation annually and disconnect or limited the use your social media, email, and cellphone.
Decide what is important to you in your life and set priorities to reflect this. Decrease activities that are low on your priority list. Prioritizing and creating a positive work/life balance helps you to free up some time. Having this time gives you the ability to spend your time and energy on people and tasks that are the most important to you. Doing so might help you in feeling fulfilled and accomplished than ever before.
