How to Find Work-Life Balance as a Working Mom by Ayesha Shafaat
Rumaisa, a working mom of three, is constantly caught between work and family. At her job, she must stay on her toes to secure the paycheck and at home she has to juggle everything from her children’s meals to their homework to make sure that they are happy and healthy.
Lately, she’s been spending hours worrying that she’s not doing enough for her little ones.
Have you ever had this feeling where you wanted to be the perfect mother but it felt impossible to manage everything at the same time?
You’re not alone. A majority of working moms feel this way at one point or another during their journey of motherhood. It may seem impossible, but you can find the delicate balance between home and work following a handful of simple tips and tricks.
Get Those Tasks on Paper!
Are you feeling overwhelmed just thinking about the dozens of tasks that await you?
Start by making a rough list of things that need to be done. Jot down everything that comes to mind and then mark the tasks that are the most important as urgent. Start with those and then gradually shift to the ones that can wait.
Sticking to a list will
• Make you reserve your energy for what needs your attention the most
• Help you cut useless, time-wasting activities from your schedule
• Show you a clear direction on where to begin
• Give you a feeling of accomplishment as each task gets completed
Hire a Helping Hand!
If you feel like you can’t take time out of your busy schedule to address the growing piles of dishes and laundry, you can try hiring some house help.
It will:
• Take the extra stress of house chores off your back
• Give you the freedom to spend quality time with your children
• Help you find some personal time to relax and take care of yourself
Get Yourself Some Backup!
If you live in a joint household, you can request your in-laws to take care of the children when you’re at work.
But it can be challenging at times; especially if you’re conscious about your children’s diet because, in Pakistani households, children are:
• Often fed foods high in refined sugar.
• Bought candy and chocolates as gifts from uncles and aunts
• Offered jellies and toffees to calm down when they start crying
You’re not going to be home so you can’t oversee everything personally, but you can:
• Use simple language to explain to your children’s caretakers the risks of such food items
• Give them time to process the information
• Always be open for questions and queries
Give Yourself Some “Me-time”
While navigating the treacherous waters of motherhood and work life, it’s important to not lose track of yourself in the middle of all the mayhem. So, pick a day to kick back and relax.
• Finish that book you’ve always wanted to read while snacking on your favorite fruit
• Catch up with your friends and treat yourself to a fulfilling lunch
• Give yourself a spa day and do your skincare and nails
• Buy yourself a little something to appreciate your efforts
It’s important to unwind because
• Your mood affects the overall mood and behaviour of your little ones
• When you’re mentally relaxed you can take on the day with a new enthusiasm.
Remember: You’re Not Superhuman!
You need to understand that despite all your efforts
• You can’t control everything
• You can’t always be present with your kids
• You can’t plan everything in advance
• You can’t control the outcome of how things pan out
You’re only human and you need to treat yourself like one. You don’t have superhuman strength and you’re not meant to be in charge of everything at all times. So, give yourself the freedom to fail often and learn from your mistakes.
Conclusion:
Motherhood is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You must preserve your energy and take a break whenever you can.
Make lists and remember to ask for help whenever you feel like you can’t do it alone because it takes a village to raise a child.
Please know that you’re doing enough. Motherhood is not a day’s or a year’s work. It’s a lifelong journey of courage and love. Despite what your mind might tell you sometimes, you are a good mom and you’ve got this!