Work-Life Balance Can Be Stressful, Here Are Some Tips From Fellow Mamas

Motherhood is one of the most fulfilling phases in a woman’s life, but as you know it can also be exhausting! High five if you're able to read this without dozing O.....F......F......

Where were we again?  

It's interesting being on social media these days seeing the working mom vs. stay at home mom debate.

As you know, both sides are out for blood and there is shade being thrown all over.  One side yells their job is more difficult and the other side yells NO WAY, our way is harder.

Um, hold the phone. We're over here like, yo it's all hard and we're all crazy, what's the issue here?

This article is dedicated to the career-driven moms who are juggling work life and home life. The ones that have their dreams and career goals and have a relentless pursuit. It's also for the moms that are like darn it, we've got bills to pay and they're not going to pay themselves.

First off, we think you rock! It's just not easy, it's a constant juggle and oftentimes, it feels like we're going in circles. It's tough to master, it really is.  Then again, is there mastery of work-life balance?

You are an awesome role model for your tribe. Keep on keepin' on. How cool is it that we live in a time where you can follow your dreams and be a mom?  I didn't see ole Wilma Flinstone doing it.  Or Brady Bunch mama.  Or anybody else for that matter.

Over the last handful of years, I have lost and regained my sanity more times than I can count. It's always felt like one side is heavier than the other and it's been an honest struggle to say the least!  I'm still actively trying to master this, but I've learned a few tricks on how to happily manage your career and baby without losing your marbles. Keep calm and grab a glass of wine, let's talk 'balance.'

Is it even possible to balance both?

It's an interesting debate really. Does balance even exist? In my opinion, no and that's okay. I think you can create a framework for them to complement one another.

Working Mother said it best, "Work-life balance is not a reality. You need to strive for work-life integration or work-life blend. My family is most important, but my job is also an important part of who I am and I want my kids to appreciate that."

Here are some tips to create a smoother work-life integration:

• Set a routine
  Establishing a morning routine can help you to sail through the day smoothly. Set your alarm, get up and get moving before everybody else is awake. I know this is almost comical if you have a newborn that eats around the clock. Do your best. Point is this, get some 'me time' in to start your day off on the right foot.

• Plan ahead
  To avoid getting stressed out in the morning, get done as much as possible the night before. Pack bags, set aside outfits, grab chargers, decide and prep breakfast, etc.

• Prioritize
  Set yourself up for success by prioritizing your to-do list. There's nothing more intimidating than a 2-page todo list, believe me, my husband tells me that when I give him his 'honey do' list. There's often an eye roll involved too. Instead, make a to-do list of 3-4 tasks that you want to accomplish and cross them as you go. You'll pat yourself on the back along the way and keep the anxiety to a minimum. This goes for both work and home by the way!

• Work efficiently
  Focus! Be intentional about your work and get down to business. Avoid scrolling endlessly through social media, or chatting about Suzie's fourth terrible blind date. The more you're able to focus and get work done, the easier it'll be to feel good about your progress at the end of the day. 

Remember that things will pop up outside of your control, such is life. Moms are incredible at managing time and multi-tasking. Don't stress if something pops up like a babysitter calling out sick or an impromptu doctor visit for your little one. Stay focused but remember to stay flexible if and when those occasional events pop up.

• Family time is family time

When I get overwhelmed with kids, work, husband, etc, I've taught myself to step back and look at the big picture. I'm still working on it, but so far, it's helped quite a bit in moments of frustration.

I think everyone should really step back and analyze what matters most to them. It's easy to get bogged down with the pressures of life and lose sight of it. What would you regret most if you were to die tomorrow? Not trying to be morbid here, but death is a strong motivator!

Let the family time be the family time, schedule it and do it. If you're sticking to your work during work hours, stick to your family during family hours. There is nothing to regret and this is the closest you can be to work-life integration.  

• Ask for help

It really takes a village to raise a child! There is no reason to be proud and not ask for help, in fact, you'll drive yourself absolutely mad. Find ways to make life easier and more efficient. One thing that helped our family a TON was hiring a weekly cleaning lady. It freed up hours in the week to spend together or do other things and was a huge relief. Other things you can consider are grocery delivery apps, carpooling with friends or neighbors, asking your husband for a hand, and finding other efficiencies to make life easier.

• Scheduled ‘me-time’
  It's important, it really is. Find some time to carve out for yourself. For some, it's a run, for others it's wine and catching up with girlfriends, for others it's a massage, or facial. Whatever brings you some happiness and a feeling of rejuvenation is your jam. Make sure you schedule it in or it won't get done!

In the end, you are one lucky mama. To have the opportunity to balance a family and a career is a blessing. You're a shining example for your children and will forever be a role model for what's possible. We are cheering for you, mama!

If you need a tribe, come hang out with us The Best Mom Life