We’ve all been there. There’s so much to do but there’s just not enough time in the day to do it.
Getting behind with friendships, finances, and fun can be stressful and discouraging.
We’re wondering if we’ll ever get caught up or if we’ll continue to drown in tasks and obligations.
6 Ways to Maintain Your Life Balance As A WAHM
When I tell people that I work from home, I can see the thoughts flashing through their minds:
- “She gets to wear yoga pants all day.”
- “I’ll bet she can just sit and watch TV while she’s working.”
- “Her job can’t be that hard if she does it from home.”
Many people don’t realize that with two small boys, a nine-year old daughter, and an online job that demands much of my time, that I don’t get much “me” time.
In one day, I must do 10 hours worth of work in about two or three hours.
After the kids go to sleep, I try to squeeze in another thirty minutes to an hour so that I can be one step ahead for the next day.
And at some point, I attempt to look my husband in the face, in the silence that is our post-bedtime-for-the-kids time, for at least an hour before we collapse into the bed.
Are you wondering how I manage to fit that much work into such a short amount of time?
Let me share with you the tricks I use to get it done (and bear in mind that I’m still usually buried in work):
It’s time to conquer your hectic life. Here are many ways you can get your life back on track.
1. Make lists
I have a to-do list. It is scribbled on and rewritten and changed almost daily, but it gives me focus.
There’s a very satisfying feeling to mark things off as I complete them.
Think about those long-term deadlines. This helps me to make notes about the items coming up later so that when I get to the task, I have already planned.
I may make notes in my list book, or I may jot it down on a sticky on my computer.
2. Do the most pressing things first
If something is due next week, it can wait longer than something due tonight.
I try to deal with the biggest and most important items first.
3. Learn How To Say No
If you agree to every event you’re invited to, you’ll likely become burnt out. Although it’s important you enjoy the company of friends and family, it can’t come at the expense of essential routines and tasks.
You’ll find that by just saying “no” every now and then, you’ll have more time on your hands to get important things done.
As a result, you will have alleviated that excessive stress.
Truthfully, this is the hardest thing for me to do. I love being involved, and I love staying busy (as much as I’d like a nap).
When I’m approached and asked to take on more tasks, I really have to stop and think about this task’s value and whether or not I can really do it.
4. Set your “start” and “end” times for the day
I try to finish by 8pm each night unless there is a planned meeting.
That gives me about an hour after the kids are in bed to work furiously.
Most of my work is squished into nap time, so the after-bed work is dedicated to getting ahead or tying up loose ends.
Yes, there are deadlines. Yes, your job is your job, so you must complete the work.
But ask yourself this question: if you worked outside of the home, would you bring your work into your living room?
With my current online job, I could work all day long because all of the work is on the computer.
When I worked for a bank, I walked out at 5 pm and didn’t think about the work again until 9 am the next morning.
Find a way to set limits, and do your best to stick to them.
5. Devote Time For Rest and Relaxation
You may encounter a lot of unnecessary stress due to lack of sleep since sleeplessness often results in problems with productivity.
If you’re not giving your body and mind consistent breaks then you’re probably not performing as well with your job and other daily responsibilities.
In addition to eight hours of sleep every night, make sure you’re responding to your body’s needs.
If you find that you’re feeling irritable or unfocused, take a twenty-minute nap. A little relaxation can go a long way.
6. Prioritize Your Relationships
Are there toxic people in your life? These people ask so much of you but give nothing in return.
They’re the types of “friends” who quickly eat up your time with no reward. Assess your relationships. Think about whom you should devote your precious time to.
Then, say “no” the next time they want to grab lunch or need help clearing out their garage.
7. Manage Your Money with Ease
Bills have piled up on the counter. You’ve spent well over your means but haven’t reviewed your budget.
You’ve thought about buying stock recently but don’t know where to begin. Life has been so frantic that even your finances are taking a toll.
It’s time you take control of your funds. Talk to a financial advisor, and read the top personal finance books.
Get your budget back on track and you’ll feel a big weight off your shoulders.
8. Turn Off The Electronics
If your TV is always on and your cell phone is right by your side, you’re probably not making valuable use of your time.
Whether you’re trying to relax with your husband or get some take-home work completed, you need to know when to turn everything off.
You’ll find that you get your work done much faster and enjoy your time with others much more.
I know this is hard to do. So I turn my phone upside down and close any tabs that aren’t work-related.
Doing so helps me really focus on the hour or two that I have.
9. Don’t Forget to Treat Yourself
It’s vital that you frequently grant yourself time for only you. Treating yourself can mean crucial daily exercise like a run or trip to the gym.
It can also mean a reward like a visit to the spa for a massage or manicure.
If you can set aside just one hour every day to do something that you enjoy, you’ll find that you’re much happier, calmer, and productive.
Read more: Simple health and beauty tips for busy work at home moms
6 Ways to Maintain Your Life Balance – Conclusion
Balancing your life isn’t a task that can be achieved overnight. It will take time, patience, and constant reflection to begin seeing the new less-stressed, you!
Working from home has been a blessing for me and my family. Knowing I’m here if the school calls to tell me my daughter needs something or not worrying about missing a day of work is wonderful.
Truly, it’s an awesome trade-off for the stress that comes with having my office surrounded by toddlers, toys, and crumbs.
Read more about achieving a healthy work-life balance.
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