Work/Life Balance & Five Ways to Make it Work for You

While we can’t do it all, we can do a lot. When you are feeling overwhelmed, make a list of all the things you need to do and the things you want to do. Prioritize what must be done and start knocking things off the list. Don’t discount the wants list either in achieving your balance. Triage what you can and delegate when necessary. Independence is great, but no woman is an island, and sometimes we need help.

This seems counterintuitive, but if you have money and no time, why not? Don’t feel like every time you want to get involved the only way is to get up and volunteer. Saying no to volunteer time is not the same as not supporting volunteerism. Sometimes if you can give financially, it is better than spreading yourself too thin with commitments.

Do what makes you happy. As women, we tend to put ourselves last in our massive list of priorities. Do make your doctor appointments and keep them. Don’t forget that having no plans is still a rewarding option to slow down and rest. Do get your hair done and walk around a store with your iced coffee for a little longer than necessary. The little moments where you get to be you are rich in value for your mental health and achieving that great work/life balance. Think of life as a marathon, and to make it to the finish line we must take care of ourselves and slow down at times to make it to the end. Take care of yourself, and you will be better suited to take care of all your obligations without affecting your mental and physical health.

Having it all, doesn’t mean having it perfect, and like Justice Sotomayor said, “Don’t give up”.

Just say No. This is such a basic thing, but more often than not we get ourselves into so many Yes situations that we end up overwhelmed. With those obligations and plans comes the potential for depression, anxiety, and general stress that can lead to serious health issues. Saying No seems rude, but I would encourage us all to cheer on any woman juggling work, school, children, pets, and family to add this word to their vocabulary. Let your children see you say No. Let your children see you set healthy boundaries in life. Let your children and those around you not only see you know your limits but excel at the things you say Yes to in your life. Those fewer Yeses will equate to more connected and fulfilling life moments.

This is ingrained in women from such a young age. I’m sorry I can’t make it, because...” It is okay to know your healthy boundaries. If you don’t want to, that is enough. No need to say family is coming into town, the baby is sick, the laundry needs to get done to prove it is okay to say No. If you wanted to do it, you would. If you had the time, you would. If you say no, you just aren’t saying Yes, and you don’t owe an excuse as to why that is the answer. Own your choosing your value and your time as the commodity it is. Own the fact that you deserve to dictate when and how you spend this precious life we are given. Own the fact that you are taking that power back and choosing to have it all, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all.