LOVING YOU
4 Helpful Pointers: Work-Life Balance for Mothers
Work-life balance for mothers requires some fine footwork! The below snapshot of a fave childhood activity gives a picture of that sort of skill:
When I was little, my sister and I enjoyed balancing the seesaw at our local playground. Perhaps you did the same when you were growing up. We’d stand in the middle, one foot either side of the centre. Then the trick was to shift your weight ever-so-slightly to come to a complete standstill with a level beam beneath your feet.
It needed fine footwork to shift your weight from one side to the other so as to balance the beam. A little too much on one side, and the penalty was to hear that earth-shuddering CLUNK! as the see-saw landed. And then, you had to work extra hard to get that balance back again.
You can listen to the radio interview about work-life balance for mothers, above. It was recorded with Jason Evans, “The Big J”, on Hobart’s ultra106five.
Work-Life balance for Mothers – It’s Important
Maintaining work-life balance is a tricky business, just like balancing a seesaw. We talk about having a balanced diet, being emotionally balanced, holding the balance of power, and keeping a balanced budget. They all require awareness and initiative. Lose those, the balance is lost. And you have some work ahead of you to return to level.
Some people suggest life balance is like juggling three balls: family, work and career. Others say that once you add those big areas of family, work and career, then balance is lost. Others ditch the idea of balance altogether and say it is more like work-life tension.
But whatever way it’s described, there is hope!
On top of all that, there are extra details needing constant attention. Relationships, health and finances are just a few in our complex daily lives. There’s also areas of life skill gaps, which we all have. And they can be so frustrating!
How do you stay aware, and manage all these areas without going crazy? Read on to find out.
Take a Quick Quiz
Are you controlling work – or is your work controlling you?
Take this quiz to check out your work-life balance for mothers.
(1 point for each ‘Yes’ answer)
- Is it longer than a month since you took some time out just ‘for you’?
- You meet someone for the first time. Do you get annoyed when they don’t ask what you do for a living?
- You are offered a choice between fewer hours at work, and more money. And you choose the money.
- Have you put off arranging some important medical checks because you can’t seem to fit them in?
- Do you ever catch yourself thinking about work during intimate moments with your partner?
- Do you panic at the thought of having to take the cat to the vet, book your car for a service, or arrange for the plumber to fix that leaking tap?
- How long since you sat quietly to enjoy some peace and quiet, and reflect on your life—longer than a few weeks?
- Do you find yourself raising your voice to your children more than actually conversing with them?
- Have you visited the supermarket more than twice after dinner this week?
- Does planning for a holiday seem more inconvenience than it is worth?
Score:
8-10 Sadly—you are totally out of control. You really need to take a weekend away.
4-7 Not too bad—keep working at it! Why don’t you plan a weekend away?
1-3 Well done! Enjoy that weekend away that you have already planned!
Busy, busy, busy
Busy-ness has become huge in our culture. We think it’s good if we’re busy, but our bodies, minds and spirits are constantly telling us to slow down. Stop! Take a moment to smell the roses!
Lately, I’ve decided to use words other than “busy” to describe my life. I’ve realized that for my life to be happy and healthy, I like being busy! Now I say things like, “I have plenty to do,” or “I’m looking forward to our holiday.”
It’s not bad to be busy. Just ask someone who isn’t! On the other hand, losing your life balance so you are too busy – that can be an issue, for both you and your family.
Work-life balance for mothers doesn’t just mean keeping your cool during a busy life, it also requires time to stop the busy-ness, and reflect. Regularly.
4 “You Can do This” Pointers to Get Work-Life Balance for Mothers
1. Think about your worth as a person
Unfortunately, we fall into the trap of thinking our value as a person is tied up with what we do. However, in reality we are called human beings, not human doings!
As a human being, your value is derived from your very being, you know – your sense of who you are, and your purpose and meaning in life. People driven by what they do, are never happy.
Your value is not tied up with the dollars you earn, the distance you can run, or the number when you weigh-in on your scales. You are special precisely because you are uniquely you. You bring a unique gift to the world, that no one else can bring. But you can only find our meaning and purpose by slowing down and intentionally seeking, asking and knocking.
“You bring a unique gift to the world, that no one else can bring”
2. Watch your level of multi-tasking
Multi-tasking is something we women pride ourselves on. However it’s often the road to frustration and disappointment. Of course, some things require multi-tasking like feeding your toddler while watching over homework, or even balancing time between family and friends. That’s not what I mean though. When you have so many things on-the-go that you are unable to do any of them well, that can be a trap.
This is because if you only do enough to make each project adequate, it means you will not do your best.
3. Set realistic goals
Goal-setting is a great way of getting on top of things. But again, it requires balance to set goals and achieve them. There are two keys to goal setting:
- giving yourself a reasonable time frame; and
- having realistic expectations of yourself.
Remember too, there is no shame in re-assessing your goals and altering them if needed.
“There are two keys to goal setting”
4. Write it down
Writing in a journal can change your landscape considerably. There are times in my life when I’ve done this, and times when I’ve not. And I know it makes such a difference when I do it. I can think more clearly, problem-solve more efficiently and reflect on where I am mroe easily.
To find out more about how journal-writing can change your life, Mary Anne Radmacher:
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love.
Love as if this is all there is.MARY ANNE RADMACHER
How do you try to get some time-out in your life?
