4 Tips for Balancing Career & Parenthood
Feeling overwhelmed?
Modern life is characterized by too many activities and too little time. On the work front, we often feel overloaded with the dearth of tasks we are expected to complete while having to meet increasingly rigorous standards for parenting. Striking a balance between parenthood and a career is no easy task, but it is possible. These tips will provide guidance on how to feel more energized and in control as a working parent.
1. Practice self-care - It doesn’t necessarily mean having a spa day once a week (although if you can, that’s great!), but it does mean taking some time out to read a book, exercise, do a short meditation, have a bath or simply enjoy a cup of tea with no one demanding your attention. Self-care also means getting enough sleep.
2. Create a routine - Routine helps us remember important tasks and gives us a sense of security that things are getting done adequately.
3. Be fully present - When you get home, if possible, try and leave work at work. Be in full mom-mode and give your children undivided attention, preferably in the form of play.
4. Stop comparing yourself to other working parents - To reduce the tendency to compare ourselves unfavorably to others: appreciate your own success, compete less, and compare only with yourself.
An adaptation from Leva's article. "5 Tips for Balancing a Career with Motherhood".