Balance is one of the aspects I like to focus on. I struggled with finding this within my other positions recently, so in establishing our ideas, balance became an obvious and important purpose for my endeavor(s). And, as a mom, we all know the struggle is real when it comes to finding this equilibrium in not only our personal lives, but our work lives as well (whether we are entrepreneurs, stay at home moms, homeschooling moms, or working outside of the home).
Tips I find helpful in my quest for balance:
- Check List: While we don’t always write down our checklists and sometimes we keep a mental checklist of what needs to get done in a given day, these help ensure we have a basic plan to our day and attempt to stick to a schedule, as much as a mom can, to check off those items. We also have a revolving list of what we would LIKE to get done that day so we know that if it doesn’t get done, it can be moved around and will not make or break our day. This helps to keep our sanity tremendously.
- Routine: I love my kiddos, I love my husband, I love my dogs, and also LOVE my business(es). BUT, sometimes it’s like a whirlwind of thoughts and needs going through my mind. In order to calm that, I make sure to stick to as much of a routine as I can. This structure helps to maintain some semblance of control and balance in the chaos that is motherhood.
- Me Time: Although this is something many women constantly battle with, including me, I have slowly let go of internal guilt holding me back from being gracious to myself and allowing the time to do something to center me and make me happy. I get so focused on taking care of others and making sure others’ needs are met, that I often forget I am just as important. If I take a breath, let the dishes sit for a moment more, and maybe take a day to binge-watch a show I’ve been putting off or read a couple of chapters of the book I’ve been meaning to take the time for, then I can calm my incessant thoughts and bring myself back from that edge of insanity.
- Goals: Having even just little goals each day or each week can help me tackle items in a more organized way and thus, help the overall balance I am trying to reach. When goals are set (whether it’s hours devoted to work or projects to do with the littles), when they are reached and accomplished, you feel just a little bit better than you did before.
- Breathe: This sounds SO simple, but cutting yourself slack and eliminating some of the pressure you put on yourself helps a lot. Thinking that my husband is upset that I did not cook every day of the week and took an easy chicken nugget meal way out really is me judging myself. My husband could care less as long as we are fed, but I am upset with myself for not completing a task early enough to make time for a meal that day or prepping something ahead of time. Give yourself a break, take a deep breath, and know that you are doing your best to accomplish a bigger goal and even a simple meal eaten together comes across as a GREAT accomplishment.
- Smile: This easy-peasy task can mean the difference between beating yourself up and letting something go. Smiling and laughing can alter your attitude and perspective on anything. I often get caught up in the negative and making sure I turn that around proves important. You can also make note that a smile spreads like a wildfire. So, smile, laugh, and spread the joy!
Now, these are just some items that can help in creating that balance. Any little thing can shift that focal point and put you off-kilter, but that harmony can come back as quickly as it left, so continuously make an effort to improve. I came across a great post at The Balanced Life. Check it out HERE. Share some of your tips below. See if I may be able to help unload some of your stressors and also find that balance you seek by contacting me today!
