Monday 21 November 2016

Finding Balance



Earlier this year I went from being a stay-at-home mum to a working mum. I came home from long shifts at work only to have my partner leave for his work shift and a long list of chores ahead. I spent nap-times, early mornings and late nights struggling to keep on top of all the housework, fitting in some exercise and trying to keep my hobbies. It felt as if I was barely treading water and even if everything was done, I never had sufficient time left for spending quality time with my son, date nights or anything that was remotely fun. I didn't know where I was going wrong.

A few weeks later it hit me. I was striving for a "perfect balance" that didn't exist. Why doesn't it exist? Because I'm not perfect, and that's okay. Over the following weeks, I revaluated my ideas of balance and my goals. I came to the conclusion that although I can do it all, I shouldn't. Trying to do everything was making me (and subsequently my family) miserable. So I let it go - my unrealistic expectations along with the stress and anxiety they created in my life. Ever since, I've been so much happier and have found more time for the things are important for my happiness and my family's happiness.

Here are my top tips of how you can have better balance in your life -

Remember Balance is NOT Perfection
- accept that even though you can do it all, that you don't need to and don't set unrealistic expectations for yourself.

Prioritise!
- sort out your to-do list in order of importance, only picking a few that must be done that day.

Delegate.
- split chores with your partner, get your children to help out and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or family if needed.


Take some time for YOU.
- mark out some time every day for you; whether it's reading, watching Netflix, going out with the girls or taking a bubble bath.

Know that you're not alone.
- everyone is trying to find balance in their lives and we don't always get it right, and that's okay.