Balancing Home & Work
When it comes to finding balance in your life, does it feel like there is not enough time in the day? Have you ever looked at your sister, girlfriend, neighbor, or co-worker and wondered how does she do it all? Real balance means being in flux. It can change from day-to-day. Here are 9 tips for finding balance in your life:
1. Stop comparing
Too often we women compare ourselves and feel a sense of shame and inadequacy for not balancing our lives as well as others. Stop comparing!! It’s helpful to learn how others are being successful, but don’t let their successes steal your joy. We fall into the trap of believing we have to do it all. But we need to redefine what’s considered all. It’s different from person to person. You have to balance your time and priorities in ways that best fit your family’s circumstances.
2. Determine your priorities
Think about what is most important for you to accomplish, and create a list. Circle the top 5 and the bottom 5. Which priorities are negotiable vs. non-negotiable? Which ones are flexible vs. non-flexible?
Stop spending time on things you don’t need to do. Figure out what things you do that are fun, but time wasters. (i.e. Words with Friends, or Candy Crush) Save those things for the edges of your day.
3. Use a timer
The older I get, the harder it is to multi-task. Multi-tasking doesn’t equal productivity! I can multi-task all day and get absolutely nothing done. A good way to combat this is to use a timer. Set it in 15- to 30-minute increments and work on groups of similar tasks. Also, turn off your phone or other distractions (close the Facebook tab!) while you work.
4. Use a shared calendar
My husband and I use a shared Google calendar to coordinate and keep up with our busy schedules. We use it for everything—doctors’ appointments, birthdays, to do lists for fall and spring cleaning, etc. If an activity isn’t on our shared group calendar, it isn’t happening! We also keep an oversized wall calendar in the kitchen to help our boys keep track of the dates.
5. Learn to say No
What season of life are you in? Do you have little children underfoot? Do you have elderly parents how need your support? Are you working more than 40 hours a week? You may have to delay projects or goals for later. And that’s OK. Remember your priorities and just say NO.
6. Talk about expectations
Ask your spouse what his or her expectations are. You might be surprised! My husband, for example, doesn’t care if I put away all the laundry by the end of the day. But it bothers him if the kitchen is cold when he gets home! He also likes for the whole family to greet him at the door with hugs and kisses. He says it makes him feel better and more appreciated after a stressful day at work.
7. Keeping up the house
When it comes to housekeeping, know your triggers. (i.e. dirty dishes, unmade beds, Legos on the kitchen floor) Define what is clean enough for you and your family. I use an app on my phone that helps me keep track of my daily & weekly chores. FlyLady.com has a great system to help you create daily routines. Don’t forget to let your kids help. They can do age-appropriate chores around the house.
8. Know yourself
Know when you are at your best. Are you a morning person? Do you do your best work in the afternoon or evenings? Use that knowledge to your advantage. Be sure to build downtime in your schedule. Even during a hectic day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your batteries.
9. Ask for help!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Don’t let stress stand in the way of your health and happiness. If you are persistently overwhelmed, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness — taking care of yourself is a sign of strength.
