Tips for WFH Moms to Maintain Balance
- Written by News Co
Telecommuting has become a new way of life for most families. Transitioning from a full-time office job to working at home with tiny colleagues can really strain your productivity. The good news is that you are not alone in your journey as a work-from-home mom. Finding the right balance between work responsibilities and family life takes a bit of creativity and flexibility.
Start by setting realistic goals.
Adjusting from office life to working at home with kids requires a slight adjustment in your expectations of what you can get done in a day. The first step toward finding balance as a WFH mom is to set realistic goals. Make a prioritized list or do a bullet journaling of all the tasks you need to get done and things you'd like to get to. Estimate how long it will take you to accomplish your priorities un-interrupted, then add a buffer. No matter how much you resolve to get through your daily list efficiently, mom duties and other factors will come up throughout the day.
Create a dedicated workspace that suits your needs.
You may not have an office at home, but you can get creative and piece together a dedicated workspace that suits your needs. You know what setup works best for your productivity. Maybe you need a laptop and coffee to enjoy a mobile office setting, or maybe you need a dedicated desk with all the office amenities. The key is to do your best to work with what you have.
Create a schedule with built-in flexibility.
Have an idea of how many hours you need to work each day and set "office" hours. Think about what you can accomplish while your kids are being entertained so that you can work smarter, not harder. Even the most well-behaved kids get fussy which is why built-in flexibility comes in handy. Take advantage of a beautiful day and take fussy kids out in the fresh air for a bit so that you can return to work without the distraction of mini-meltdowns. Plus, nobody is going to judge you for letting them watch cartoons for longer than usual.
Also be sure to discuss your employer's expectations of your telecommunicating schedule and reach an agreement on the number of working hours you put in daily.
Plan for interruptions.
The chances of your toddler understanding that your conference call is more important than watching their favorite episode of Paw Patrol are slim to none. No matter how much you prioritize your to-do list and create a practical schedule, you have to plan for interruptions. It's a good idea to come up with nonverbal cues that your kids will understand to signal that they can't interrupt you. It's also a good idea to be a ninja with the mute button on your phone or headset just in case of unexpected screaming in the background.
Take breaks from work and parenting responsibilities.
To maintain a balance, you need to take breaks from both work and parenting responsibilities. Working from home doesn't mean that you have 24/7 availability. Stick with the start and end times you set for the day, take lunch breaks away from your work area, and remember to get up and move your body.
You need healthy boundaries and dedicated time for yourself every day where you don't focus on work or kids. A great way to carve out "me time" is to schedule a spa appointment. At endotaspa.com.au, you can choose from a range of body treatments and restorative treatments that will leave you rejuvenated. Their tranquil treatment rooms are designed to promote your wellness journey and bring you a sense of relaxation. Visiting a sauna and indulging in a steam room is a great way to let your daily responsibilities melt away.
Whether being a WFH mom is temporary for safety concerns, or your preferred lifestyle choice, the initial adjustment is just a phase. Once you get into the swing of things, you'll be a more adaptable worker.
Daily Bulletin
