As a Work from Home Mom, I can attest to how difficult balancing your social life, family and work can be. I never knew how time-consuming working from home can be. I always thought it would be a works in a park but I was Wrong.
As a work from home mom, do you sometimes feel like you are losing it? Here are a few tip on how to achieve a Work-life Balance
1. Your Mental Health Should be your priority
Nothing should matter more than your mental health. When I start my virtual assistant business a few years ago, I was so desperate to impress my clients to the extent I was depriving myself of sleep. Then, I was doing a 5 hours job for less than what I charge for an hour now. I didn’t have much time to exercise or even do what I loved.
I was so committed to a point where it almost becomes an obsession. To make matters worse, I was still nursing my 6 months old at that time. Every morning, I would wake up feeling like a zombie; sleep-deprived and exhausted!
This continued for over 6 months until I decided to increase my price and take fewer clients. I double my price and for a few weeks, I had no new client which made me doubt my decision. Eventually, people became used to the new price to the extent I had to stop taking new clients because I couldn’t handle more.
I have increased my prices more than twice since then and have been able to earn more especially, through my long time clients. Initially, I was working 9 to 10 hours a day but now, I only work for a maximum of 5 hours a day; Mondays to Fridays, yet I earn more than what I was earning when I started.
2. Create time to do what you love
So far, I have incorporated exercises such as running, dancing, and swimming into my weekly activities. Swimming is my hobby so I just make sure I swim a few times a week. I also have time to see a movie or read something for fun.
You can do so much more when you prioritize you happiness. Go ahead and get a massage, manicure, pedicure or even hang out with friends. You can send the kids to bed early so you can have a glass of wine while reading a book or watching a movie. It’s all about striking a balance.
2. Make a schedule and make sure you Stick to it
Making a schedule can be a little exhuasting but sticking to it is even a lot harder. When I started running my business, I did have a schedule and I found myself working odd hours. But now I have a daily and weekly schedule. I utilise tasks management software, like Asana, Trello etc
3. Outsource as Much as you Can
It’s important to know that you can’t handle everything on your own as a work from home mom, t is okay to employ someone to assist you. I’m not a fan of a live-in maid or nanny but you can get someone that comes in to do the cleaning, grocery shopping etc. I never thought I needed any help until recently when it became almost impossible to handle my job, all the house chores, and take care of my family at the same time. So, early this year, I had to hire someone who come in a few times a week to do the cleaning; the best decision I made that week!
Finally, Know When to Seek Help from your Mental Health Provider
I just want you to know that it’s okay to seek for a professional help. If you constantly feel like you are losing it and everything is out of control, then, it’s time to get help.
