Most mothers would agree that balancing work and taking care of their families with taking care of themselves is challenging. In fact, recent analytical articles found that working mothers are more likely to feel guilty about not being able to do all of those well. This guilt often leads to working mothers feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. They may feel like they are not doing enough for their families or themselves.
The good news is that there are ways for working mothers to better balance family care and self-care. Read on for tips on how to make this happen.
Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself
Do not expect to be able to do everything and do them perfectly. You are human, and there are only so many hours in the day. You cannot work and take care of your family for 24 hours. You need rest, or else your mind and body will stop functioning.
Your waking hours are limited, and you must divide them between work, family, and yourself. If you are stressed out, take a step back and reassess your expectations. Are they realistic? If not, adjust them accordingly.
Make Time for Yourself
It is essential to make time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes each day. This time can be used for anything that makes you happy and helps you relax.
It could be reading a book, walking, or taking a yoga class. You could get a pedicure or just take a relaxing bath and slather affordable vitamin C serum on your skin. Do not withhold this time or this minor expense from yourself. Your skin, body, and mental health all help support you in your work and in taking care of your family.
Do Not Feel Guilty
You should not feel guilty about caring for yourself or devoting time to your interests. This is not selfish. It is necessary. You need to be healthy and happy to work and care for your family properly.
Talk to a friend or family member if you find it challenging to stick to your self-care routine or make time for it. They can help you stay accountable and may even be willing to help you out.
Set Aside Family Time
This is time that is just for your family. It is vital to have this time to bond with your spouse and children. This will help them feel connected to you and make them more likely to cooperate with you.
Finding time for this can be difficult, but it is important to try. You could have a family movie night, go on a hike together, or play a game. The important thing is that you are spending time together without distractions.
Set Aside Time for Your Partner
Family time is separate from time alone with your significant other. A relationship must be nurtured to stay strong. And your relationship is vital to your life as a whole. Having a strong and stable relationship keeps you happy and gives you someone to rely on.
It can be hard to find time for your partner when you are working and taking care of your family, but it is important to try. You could have a date night, go for a walk together, or just spend some time talking. The important thing is that you are spending quality time together without distractions.
Ask for Help
Do not be afraid to ask for help from your family, friends, or co-workers. It is okay to need help and it does not make you weak. In fact, it shows that you are smart enough to know your limits and to ask for assistance when you need it.
Asking for help does not mean that you are giving up or that you cannot do it on your own. It just means that you are willing to accept help when it is offered and that you are not afraid to ask for it when you need it.
Practice Mindfulness
Getting stressed will bring you the balance you want. It will only make matters worse because you will not be focused on what you are doing at the moment. If you are thinking of your family at work and thinking of work while you are with your family, both will suffer.
Instead, practice mindfulness in whatever you are doing. You will find that focusing fully on the task at hand enables you to do things better and faster. You will be calm, centered, and in control. Do this also in your moments of self-care. You get maximum benefits from those moments.
Don’t Stress It, Balance It
These are just some tips for working mothers who want to better balance work, family care, and self-care. It is possible to achieve that balance but not by getting stressed over it.
It is important to set realistic expectations for yourself, make time for yourself, not feel guilty about taking care of yourself, set aside family time, and have time for your partner. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With mindfulness, you can find the balance that you want.
