Are you getting the most out of your employer when it comes to work life balance?
Do you ever feel like you are hanging upside down with the weight of the world pressing on you, trying to be a good mom and a hardworking employee? I mean come on, who has time for yoga!
It's hard to find balance when you're working full-time. When you have a family, it becomes even more complex. With parenting issues that can't be ignored and demanding bosses at work, how do you find time for yourself? Of course, it's easier said than done, but there are some things you can do in order to get more balance in your life.
#1 The health effects of a demanding job
The first step is to understand the health effects of a demanding job. When you're always working, it's hard to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. You may feel like you're constantly running on empty, and that can take a toll on your body. According to the American Psychological Association, work-life conflict can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can also lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Working moms tend to put everyone else first rather than taking the time to take care of their own needs. Be sure you are paying attention to your diet, exercising and taking a good multivitamin daily.
#2 How to find more balance
The first thing that may be helpful is taking breaks throughout the day. Lunchtime can actually help improve your productivity and morale at work. Remember, what you are going for a healthy life balance and part of that is getting out of the office. Not only does leaving your every day work environment give you a chance to get away from your desk, but it also gives you an opportunity to meet with colleagues on a more personal basis which can hep form friendships and foster your need for meaningful relationships. Most importantly, take the break you need, even if that means forcing yourself to walk outside and take time for yourself and your mental health.
Another way to find more balance is by communicating with your employer. Let them know what you're struggling with and see if they have any solutions. Often, bosses are happy to help out their employees as long as they understand the situation. If all else fails, then it might be necessary for you to hide certain aspects of your personal life from your boss. Take into account the motivation of your employer. Do you know your boss well? Do they really care about you as an individual or do they care more about the bottom line of the company? It's a very unfortunate but realistic view you will have to have to know what to expect when you tell your boss you are struggling.
#3 How to communicate with your employer
The best way to communicate with your employer is by email. It's a written form of communication that gives both sides time to think about their response. Plus, if there are any records of the conversation, it can be helpful for future reference. When sending an email, make sure you're concise and to the point. You don't want to waste your employer's time by writing a long-winded message that could've been said in person. Instead, start off by introducing yourself and giving a brief overview of what you'd like to discuss.
Then, get straight to the point! Explain what you're struggling with and see if they have any solutions or suggestions on how you can find more balance in your life. End the email by thanking them for their time and let them know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss. You can also ask them to keep you in mind if any new opportunities come up that would be a good fit for you.
Make sure to follow up with your employer after sending the email, especially if they don't respond right away. This will show that you're serious about finding more balance in your life and that you're not afraid to communicate with them about the issue. Then, if all goes well, hopefully, they'll be willing to work with you on finding a solution! If you'd rather talk to your employer in person, then set up a meeting and bring along a list of questions. This will help keep the conversation organized and make sure that you don't forget to ask anything important.
When meeting with your employer, be prepared to talk about what's been going on in your life lately. Explain why you're feeling overwhelmed and see if they have any solutions on how you can find more balance at work. If they're not sure what to do, then offer some suggestions of your own! Bosses love it when their employees are proactive and take the initiative to solve their own problems.
#4 How to balance parenting and a professional life
Parenting is a full-time job in and of itself. Make sure to set aside some time each day for you and your child. This could be anything from reading bedtime stories to taking a walk around the block. If you're feeling overwhelmed, then ask your partner, friends, or family members for help. They'll most likely be happy to oblige! Learning to ask for help is not easy for many of us (I know this all too well). But it's an essential part of finding balance. Plus, your kids need to see that you are willing to ask for help. Remember, everything you do is being watched by them and we want to model the type of behavior our kids will need in their own lives as they grow up. As your kids about their own school/life balance. This will help them feel more comfortable talking to you about anything that's going on in their lives and will be a topic you can share openly about with struggles and successes.
In the end, finding balance is all about making small changes that can add up over time. Parenting and working are both essential parts of your life, but that doesn't mean they have to consume you completely. By taking a step back and evaluating what's most important to you, you can start making changes that will help you lead a more balanced life.
#5 How to make family time a priority
One of the best things you can do to find more balance is by making family time a priority. Family comes first, so if something needs to be cut out in order for you and your child/children to spend some quality time together, then it's worth sacrificing that one thing.
If there are certain events or activities at work that have been important up until this point, let your employer know ahead of time what will be going on so they don't get overwhelmed with last-minute requests from other employees who couldn't plan around your absence due to parenting responsibilities. Hopefully, an understanding boss will understand! But, don't count on it. Prepare yourself for a boss to make demands that are in the company's best interest, not your own. And remember, you're still doing them a favor by being upfront instead of just bailing when they need help most.
No matter what, don't beat yourself up when you feel out of balance, it's normal and perfect balance with work and family simply does not exist. You will go in and out of success on both sides and that's okay. Give yourself some grace and let your family see that you are doing so.