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I have been writing about parenting this month of July. Here are the two posts so far in the month:
In this week’s blogpost, I will like to share my experience trying to balancing work, family and self-care as a parent. These aspects of my life seem to be ever spinning and are all so important for my well-being.
Honestly, balancing work, family, and self-care can feel like an impossible feat. I have heard so many versions of balance that I realise that no one person can teach you. You look at your life, see where you want to be and where you are, and you make hard decisions that help you bridge that gap in various aspects of your life.
As parents, we often find ourselves pulled in multiple directions, trying to meet the demands of our jobs while also being present for our families and taking care of our own well-being. Even when we are not working we are doing life administration or household management, managing family relationships and dynamics.
The good news is that it’s possible to find a harmonious balance with the right strategies and mindset. Sometimes it will work if the circumstances are right, sometimes it won’t but we never give up, we get up and try again and eventually we identify a pattern we can easily repeat to get a predictable outcome.
Understanding the Challenges of Parenting
Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, and when combined with work responsibilities, it can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress. Some common struggles include:
– Time Management: Finding enough hours in the day to fulfill all your responsibilities.
– Guilt: Feeling guilty about not spending enough time with your family or not giving your best at work.
– Self-Neglect: Putting your own needs last, leading to burnout and decreased well-being.
– Low self worth: feeing unworthy of joy and happiness
Strategies for Juggling Work, Family, and Self-Care
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Understand that you can’t do everything perfectly, and that’s okay. Easier said than done you say but for a second, ask yourself where did these expectations come from? What purpose do they serve in your life? What will happen if you can’t meet them? Set achievable goals for both your professional and personal life. Prioritize tasks and focus on what’s most important.
2. Create a Schedule
Having a well-structured schedule can help you manage your time more effectively. Use calendars or digital tools to plan your day, allocating specific time slots for work, family activities, and self-care. I often joke about anything that is not on my calendar is not happening. It’s unfortunately true, some of us need that level of structure to our day or else we forget important things. Set reminders to go off 1hr before your task and 10 minutes too.
3. Establish Boundaries
Set clear boundaries between work and family time. Communicate with your employer about your availability and make sure your family knows when you’re working. This can help prevent work from encroaching on family time and vice versa. Ensure work relationships are fit to their purpose and try your best to be friendly without crossing professional boundaries. boundaries are useful in every area of our lives. With children, if you say you are going to do something, do it. They learn from you too.
4. Delegate and Share Responsibilities
– Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Share household chores and parenting duties with your partner or other family members. At work, delegate tasks when possible and collaborate with colleagues to lighten your load. Outsource some mundane repetitive tasks to professionals, this allows you more quality time with your loved ones.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining balance. Schedule regular self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or simply relaxing. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for your well-being and ability to care for others. Caring for yourself can be as simple as packing a healthy lunch instead of junk food, being intentional about what goes into your body.
6. Stay Organized
Keep your home and work environment organized to reduce stress and save time. Use tools like to-do lists, planners, and apps to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
7. Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to help manage stress and stay present. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even a few moments of quiet reflection can make a significant difference.
8. Communicate Openly
Maintain open communication with your employer, colleagues, and family members. Discuss any challenges you’re facing and seek support when needed. Transparency can lead to better understanding and more effective solutions.
Finding Balance in Daily Life
1. Morning Routine
Start your day with a positive and structured morning routine. This could include exercise, a healthy breakfast, and a few minutes of mindfulness to set a calm tone for the day.
2. Work-Life Integration
Instead of trying to separate work and life completely, find ways to integrate them. For example, take short breaks during work to stretch, take a walk or eat your lunch mindfully. Consider incorporating family activities into your evenings, this will improve connection and positive growth.
3. Quality Over Quantity
Focus on the quality of time spent with your family rather than the quantity. Engage in meaningful activities that strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.
4. Flexible Work Arrangements
If possible, explore flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. These options can provide more time for family and self-care.
5. Evening Wind-Down
End your day with a relaxing evening routine. Disconnect from work mindfully, make a list of what is left to do and pin it for the next day. Spend time with your loved ones, and engage in activities that help you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, such a cards, story telling, reading, praying and meditating.
Balancing work, family, and self-care is an ongoing process that requires patience, flexibility, and self-compassion, taking it slow but making sure you are practicing kindness and active repair of broken relationships. You can find a harmonious balance that allows you to thrive in all areas of your life.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help and make adjustments along the way. Embrace the journey, celebrate your successes, and know that you’re doing an incredible job as a parent, professional, and individual.
I’d love to hear from you! How do you balance work, family, and self-care? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s support each other in finding balance and thriving together.
Until next time, stay authentic,
Stay resilient, and continue to honour your needs.
Live wholeheartedly,
Amaka
2 Cor 3:2(MSG)
You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
