DEAR MOTHERS, YOU DESERVE A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE! LET’S SHOW YOU HOW
Last week, we pointed out a few ways organizations can support mothers better at work… today, we have some ideas for working moms to find a healthy balance, be more productive at work, have a successful career and have a fulfilling family life.
You’re wondering, is it possible? Absolutely!
It may not seem as easy as you imagined it, but don’t let that discourage you. Acknowledge and appreciate all of the great things you do have, and just take it one day at a time.
Photo Credit: Canva
Sometimes, like everyone else, working mothers find it difficult to be committed fully to their office work or business and family. It can be exhausting and thankless, being perceived as not fully present as an employee or a mother. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
It is possible to chase a fulfilling full-time career while taking an active and effective role as a mother if you learn to find a balance that works for your life.
These tips will help working mothers to make juggling the two sides a little bit easier.
- Reconnect
The key to a happy career starts with a happy life. Make your family, relationships, hobbies, social activities and more a priority, because it will have an immense impact on your energy, productivity level and everything else.
Go out on date nights, do things that you enjoyed doing before becoming a mother. Focus on the positive things and don’t worry about the things you can’t control. Plan something other than dinner at your usual place, like a painting class or trivia night. Have an honest conversation with your partner that doesn’t involve work or kids and really listen to what they have to say. Reconnect with yourself.
- Find a trustworthy nanny
Knowing that your child is cared for is crucial to having peace of mind when you are at work. Find a daycare, nanny, or someone you know that you trust with your child.
A quality daycare should have flexible hours, a low teacher-to-child ratio, a clean and spacious environment, and up to date licenses.
For nannies, look for one with extensive experience and great references. Have at least one trial day to observe if it is a good fit and make all of your expectations clear from the get-go. If possible, keep constant contact throughout the day and ask for updates and photos of your little one.
- Maintain open communication with your boss at work
Being a working mom does NOT mean you will be a less productive employee. However, changes will definitely occur.
Mothers are typically the primary parent when a child is ill or has an appointment, and is the one responsible for picking up the child after work, so working moms often need more flexibility in their schedules.
But working moms are some of the most committed employees out there! From skipping lunch breaks to working on the weekends, these women do not use their children as an excuse to slack off.
The important thing is to make sure you communicate to your manager what your needs are, as well as how you will continue to do your job well. Help your employees understand what the situation is so a favourable solution can work.
Hopefully, your manager will be understanding and appreciate your transparency and dedication to both your family and your job.
- Organizing family activities
Make the time that you spend with your family really count by planning activities that everyone will look forward to and enjoy. Organize a weekly family game night, have a picnic in the backyard, or go play mini-golf.
These moments create memories that keep us going.
- Stay organized using calendars and lists, plan ahead, delegate
The mental load that working mothers must take on is a responsibility that no one else can understand.
Mothers like to be in charge of keeping track of doctor’s appointments, signing permission slips, bringing potluck dishes, remembering birthdays, writing cards, staying on top of clothes and sizes, knowing what’s in the fridge and pantry, never letting the house run out of toilet paper, just to name a few.
Use planners, apps, and other resources to keep track of your never-ending to-do’s and let go of some of the mental weight. You can add events to a shared calendar so your partner can easily see what’s coming up and help out. You can also use software like Google Keep as a place to make lists and take notes because it has easy to share capabilities.
Plan ahead as much as possible so that nothing is left to the last minute, and always delegate when necessary and possible, to take some work off your hands.
- Connect with other working mothers
You are not alone. There are millions of working mothers who are going through the same thing you are on a daily basis.
Seek out co-workers who are also working mothers; these are women you will be able to relate to on a whole different level. Coordinate playdates and mom groups on the weekends or take walks together after work.
Laughing together, sharing stories, and finding your community will show you that you don’t have to do it all by yourself, and you might learn a trick or two from them.
- Make time for yourself
Finding time for yourself is important in maintaining your mental health and balance within the hectic environment of work and home life.
Moms have a habit of putting their own needs last in order to take care of everyone else first. But if you aren’t taking care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of anyone else well?
Find the time on a regular basis and an activity that will allow you to relax and recharge.
ORÍKÌ has created the perfect opportunity for mothers to unwind with our Mother’s Day Promo Packages. See them below:
Visit the ORÍKÌ website to purchase any package or book an appointment.