Trying to balance work and keeping the home happy is a tough nut to crack even for a Superwoman. The thought of meeting deadlines, taking care of the kids and also making time for your spouse can take its toll on most mums, but not to worry with a few tips you can make this work out and even have some spare time for yourself as a woman.
Let us take a look as some practical ways to manage your career and home effectively
Create a Family Calendar
This is the first step as it helps figure out your family’s priorities. This calendar can include dates when bills are due, a chore chart for the kids, a list of school and family events, extracurricular activities, birthdays, and more.
Setting aside 15 minutes each Sunday to review and prepare for the upcoming week’s schedule is a good way to start. This helps eliminate surprises during the week and keeps you organized.
Having a “family command station” where important papers and documents are placed, along with keys, chargers, batteries and petty cash will also help.
Limit Distractions and Time Wasters
Self discipline is key here, you can start by setting time limits when checking emails or making phone calls, things you can do when the kids are sleeping. Reduce TV watching to once a week to maximize time with your partner during the evenings [trust me your Telenovas will be there waiting for you]. Try to avoid multitasking, especially when spending time with your children. At your workplace, try to avoid wasting time. Of course you want to have a rapport with coworkers, but numerous email exchanges, casual Internet surfing, gossiping, and long lunches are distractions that will make you less productive. Focus on your tasks at work and talk to coworkers during breaks or lunchtime.
Create Special Family Activities
Making time for your kids is very crucial, both during the week and on the weekends, to nurture your family dynamic and allow everyone to bond. If you’re pressed for time, having a family breakfast or a family night with board games or movies isn’t a bad idea. “Create activities that regularly fit into your schedule [but try to be considerate] so everyone knows what to expect and what to look forward to. When you do have family outings, avoid talking about work or checking your phone. Instead, focus on your kids’ interests such as friends, classes, and hobbies. With older children, ask for their activity suggestions and try to meet their needs. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you do it together.
Don’t forget about Your Partner
Remember to nurture your relationship with your partner, who will often be the number one person by your side. Start by having monthly date nights to get closer, feel rejuvenated, and enjoy each other’s company. Often, if you’re busy with work and home, your partner is the first to get neglected. Fostering this relationship will bring back some excitement to the marriage or partnership and help you to “check in” with each other. Going out on a monthly date can be difficult and expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t focus on each other. Have an indoor date night by cooking an elegant meal together or even sitting together with a glass of wine and talking (but not about work or the kids).
You also matter
By managing time wisely, you can fit in valuable “me” time regularly. A refreshing break will help you recharge while taking care of personal needs. “Because your time is divided between your home and your career, make sure to manage your energy well. You can’t be an effective spouse or parent if you’re cranky, so take time to care for yourself to feel relaxed and effective.Lose yourself in a book before you go to sleep, take a bubble bath once a week, or treat yourself to a spa day. Fit in time for exercise (like a yoga class) or focus on a hobby. Remember to eat well and get enough rest—simple things that even the smartest moms neglect.
