Ever feel like you’re doing too many things and none of them well?
Wish you could achieve a better work-life balance but not sure where to start? Me too!
As a stay-and-work-at-home mum I often feel overwhelmed with all the things there are to get done in a day, especially when I’m on deadline with work. Working for yourself also means you never really get the chance to switch off – there’s always an email or 10 that need answering or a phone call that needs making.
What with juggling school and nursery runs with after school clubs and running a business, not to mention keeping three little people alive at the same time, it can be easy to get caught up in day to day life without looking at the bigger picture.
But when you do stop and think about it most of us could probably benefit from a better work-life balance. The question is, where do you start? According to life coach Jenny Butter, from the International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring, achieving a better work-life balance is actually a lot easier than we think!
Failing to prioritise a healthy work-life balance can have severe consequences for overall well-being and productivity. It can lead to burnout, heightened stress levels, and a decline in both mental and physical health. Moreover, in certain professions, it can pose serious risks to others’ safety and well-being. For instance, physician burnout not only jeopardises the doctor’s health but also compromises patient care and safety (click here to learn about physician burnout). Similarly, in high-stress professions like emergency responders or air traffic controllers, a lack of work-life balance can impair performance and decision-making abilities when split-second decisions are critical.
5 ways to improve your work-life balance
1. Plan your working day. “When we are regularly tired, bored or stressed at work we lose confidence in our abilities,” says Jenny. “An effective way to combat this is to plan your working day so that you sandwich the tasks that drain you with those that energise you. Start and end the day with things you enjoy most.”
2. Prioritise your relationships. “We need to think about what is most important when it comes to relationships,” advises Jenny. “Is it quality or quantity time, or both? Jamie Oliver admits to being a weekend dad due to work commitments, but that’s fine with his family. When you know what you want, put it in the diary and make sure it happens!”
3. Enjoy all life has to offer. “An Australian nurse who spent several years working in palliative care said one of the common regrets among her patients was that they wished they had lived the life they wanted, not what was expected of them,” says Jenny. “To avoid this, make a list of the genuine expectations others have of you. Are they fair? It’s time to start making your own choices!”
4. Focus on your wellbeing. “Wellness is the full integration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing,” says Jenny. “Make a list of one thing you want to change in each area, for example: physical – your weight; emotional – end a bad relationship; mental – time to listen to podcasts; spiritual – time for reflection or prayer. It’s easy – you can just choose one and start today!”
5. Be happy. “It’s hard to be happy when we are stuck in our old habits,” says Jenny. “Another regret of people at the end of their road is that they wished they had let themselves be happier. Booking sessions with an accredited coach if you’re struggling to break out of your comfort zone can help you seek happiness.”
6. Purchase a home-based franchise (BONUS)
Luckily nowadays, there are many business opportunities where stay-at-home mums can improve their work-life balance. One of the best business opportunities for stay home mums would be home-based franchises for sale. These franchise opportunities can be found using online directories such as Franchise UK and can be a fantastic way for mothers to earn a sustainable income while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Could you benefit from achieving a better work-life balance? Do you have any top tips? I’d love to hear what they are!
These are great tips. Love number one. I have made myself on work through the week days and I’m not allowed on my phone or laptop at the weekend. Instead I spend it with the kids, going on walks, reading or crafting.
Work life balance is so tough to manage. I find laying out what needs doing and planning it properly (broken down by the hour) works best for me. Then consciously putting away my laptop and/or phone during family time as well. It can be done, but the balance is different for everyone. Great post!
~Jess
#MMBC