Finding a work / life balance was difficult BEFORE having a child. Now the word “balance” elicits a chuckle that quite often turns into a literal LOL. How is it possible to balance work, kids, your partner, housework, the never-ending to-do list, and find time to keep your sanity intact? Here are the 5 ways I keep myself somewhat sane.
Figure out what fills your cup
This step is required before you move onto the next. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup, you must figure out what truly fills up your soul. I know a lot of moms (myself included) that zone out on Facebook or binge watch Netflix while the kiddos are sleeping. This can be okay short-term, but if I’m being honest, I personally don’t feel energized afterwards. Now if I were to watch a TED talk, read a good book, or listen to a podcast, BAM! My cup is filled. Everyone is different. Take the time to figure out your favorite self-care routine.
Proper diet
You can only run on caffeine and sugar for so long before your body breaks down. If you feed your body junk, you will feel junky! Adding in healthy foods, increasing your protein intake, and drinking half your body weight in water will make a night and day difference in your energy levels.
Exercise
When in doubt, get your body moving. The rush of endorphins you feel during and after exercise can cancel out a lot of the mom stress we have. LA Fitness and other gyms have low-cost childcare to use while working out. Our gym pretty much knows my daughter by name. (At only $10 a month, it’s a no brainer!)
Time blocking
My life changed when my friend gifted me a Passion Planner. Seriously. Taking the time to plan out my week on Sunday nights gives me more control of the uncontrollable. I block off time for my office hours, chores, fun family time, self-care, etc. using colored pencils. At the end of each month, there is a journaling section that allows you to reflect on lessons learned and plan for the upcoming month.
Let unimportant things slide
Choose your priorities. Do the dishes have to be cleaned every night before you go to sleep? Perhaps. But is it okay if they are not? Probably. By consciously choosing your must haves, you will be more zen about the rest.
So there you have it! The five ways I help find a balance in my life. What are your go-to life hacks?
Love your blog. I have been using a Passion Planner for more than a year now and take it everywhere I go. The only thing I would consider adding to feel balanced is essential oils. I am not sure how I would get through my day physically and emotionally without them :). I have several Chiropractor friends who use them in their practice. I teach classes, if you are ever interested in learning.