Work – life balance. Are you getting it right?

I know more than anyone how difficult it can be to balance your work and family life, and it can sometimes feel like you’re being pulled in two different directions not getting the most out of your downtime. People often put too much pressure on themselves to try and create the ‘perfect’ work- life balance when really it may not even exist. If you feel like you’re struggling then I’ve put together some tips to consider to help you focus on getting the best out of your weeks.

1. Give yourself a break

Remember, the job of a parent is bigger than some people give it credit for and you can only do so much in a day, especially when it comes to balancing a career. For this reason, it is important that you give yourself a break from time to time. Make time for yourself and try not worry too much about whether or not the house is spotless or if the children have been cooked nutritious meals from scratch every night.

2. Do your shopping online

Finding the time to do your big shop can be a big effort when you’re trying to juggle full-time work and parenting. There is a simple solution to this. You can do it all online! It saves so much time and requires minimum effort so you can do it quickly while the kids are asleep. This gives you more free time for yourself and the kids.

3. Ignore the bad press

There are lots of stories in the press about how working mothers are damaging to their children’s health/intelligence/prospects but this in my eyes is completely untrue and just adds unnecessary stress and pressure to parents! My advice would be to not listen.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Sometimes it’s just not possible to take the kids to  school every morning AND pick the up on time every night, it’s not a crime to ask for help with childcare every now and again. There are always lots of people out there who’d be willing to help you out, it’s just a case of reaching out and asking!!

5. Try to draw a line between work and family time

My best advice would be to learn how to switch off. It’s ok to work hard whilst you’re at work as long as you can switch off once you get home. Smartphones now make this harder than ever to do but checking your emails on a night will not help you with your relaxing on a night!

I’d love to hear your opinions on this subject!!