Balancing a career as a parent is one of life’s biggest challenges. How are you supposed to include your personal needs in this balancing act? A work-life balance is key to a healthy and happy life, but it can be tough when parenting or other duties get in the way. You don’t want busy work to take up your entire life! If you need more personal time in a schedule packed full of work shifts and parenting tasks, you’ll need to know how to balance the scales of your responsibilities a little better.
Utilize Caregivers
When you’re busy with kids and your career, it can feel like you have no time to relax or get other tasks done. The phrase, “it takes a village,” has never been truer. Take advantage of additional caretakers as a working parent. Daycares, family members, and babysitters aren’t just for when you’re at work—they can be used anytime. Scheduling childcare can help lighten the load and share parenting tasks while you manage other aspects of the home—including your health and happiness. You spend a ton of time at work and parenting; make sure you’re getting the help you need to keep your stresses at minimum.
Schedule Relaxation Time
It’s easy for work, parenting, and other chores to take priority over relaxation. It may not even seem like you have any spare time to put your feet up. Scheduling rest time is a great way to force yourself to include it. Rest is incredibly important to maintain health, lower stress, and keep your brain working at peak levels. Relaxation is just as important as productivity. Too much work with little rest can actually reduce your performance quality. Your kids need a regular nap, and so do you! You can start with power naps if you’re having trouble with this, but it’s important to rework your schedule to include breaks.
Decorate Your Workspace
Your workspace is an extension of your life. Your career reflects a large part of you, and you should make your area comfortable. Whether you work in your home office or the middle of a construction site, personalize your gear or desk with representative items. For example, you can add a small potted plant in the corner of an office or a decal on your favorite hammer. These subtle changes add up and help you enjoy a personalized workspace. Small decorations or personalizations can make a difference in your comfort while working.
Spruce Up Your Work Wardrobe
While you may not be enjoying personal freedom at work, you should still be able to feel comfortable and show off your style and personality. When your work wardrobe represents your preferences, you’ll be able to feel more grounded and unique during the workday. Try on some professional attire that expresses your personality. Choose a bold tie or skirt with your work blouse. Even if you wear a specific uniform for your work, you can personalize it in most cases with pins, brooches, or jewelry—ask your employer what is and isn’t allowed to play it safe. Protective gear can be customized without compromising safety, too. You can still wear a safety yellow t-shirt with fun phrases like, “my second rodeo.” Think outside the box to personalize your work attire to reflect you better.
Set Personal Goals
You don’t want your kids and your career to take up your entire life. While these two things are fundamental, you also want to include less vital priorities in your to-do list. You should keep some semblance of your personality amidst your responsibilities. Think about what would make your life more fun or exciting. You may want to learn a new language, improve your cooking skills, or travel the world. No matter what you’d like to achieve someday, make note of it and do what you can to reach those goals. Schedule a cooking class or start a travel fund. The most effective way to set goals is to have more than one; some may be simple and achievable in one weekend, like enjoying a nice manicure. Others may take longer to achieve, like finishing a scrapbook. Meeting smaller, simpler goals can improve your mood and encourage you to reach larger goals.
Make Healthcare Appointments
Your health is important, but healthcare plans often fall by the wayside when you’re busy parenting and working. Neglecting your health is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, however. Many serious conditions don’t present extremely obviously at first, which can put you and your family at risk. Schedule regular healthcare appointments, even if just a routine physical once a year. Healthcare includes dental and mental health, as well. You wouldn’t neglect a medical appointment for your child, so extend the same courtesy to yourself!
Stay Social
Social lives are vital to a rich life. Even if you’re introverted, positive interpersonal relationships and interactions can improve cognitive function, lower stress, and boost your mood. Schedule time with friends and family. Attend a social event once in a while. You’re more than a parent or employee—you’re also a fun person to be around. Social time can add enrichment and meaning to your days off. Friends will also support you when you need it most.
Be Communicative
Life is full of responsibilities, and it can be difficult to handle stress alone. Don’t be afraid to speak up when things become too much. Lean on your support system when necessary. Holding things in can harm your mental and physical health. Set boundaries, express feelings, and initiate conversations, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Expressing yourself can help you sort through emotions and problems.
Conclusion
A work-life balance is extremely important, especially when you’re a parent. Work and childraising are two pillars of your life’s foundation, but they shouldn’t completely take over your life. Ask for help and use caregivers when possible. Make time to stay social and relax in between your many duties. Show off your personality whenever you can. With a few simple changes, you can create a decent balance between work, parenting, and your freedom.