The Juggle is Real! Tips for Managing Family Stress as a Working Mum

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Being a working mom has a set of its own challenges. Balancing between work responsibilities, household chores, and children is quite a task. Most stressful is trying to fulfil everybody’s needs including oneself. So here are some tips that shall help you manage family stress and find balance that will work for you.

1. Self-Care

This care for others gets so engrossing that most of the time, you forget to take care of yourself. At the same time, self-care is essential to be physically and mentally in shape. Find time for things that help you unwind or recover: reading, walking, or taking a long bath with candles. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

Just have realistic expectations for yourself and the family. Understand that not everything can be done right, and it’s okay. Know how to say no to other commitments that will only add to your stress. Prioritise what is most important; let go of the others.

3. Create a Schedule

Having a time schedule eases your organizational strategy and gives everybody an idea of what is expected from them. Plan in advance how you are going to spend each week, including the work at hand, eating hours, and involving one’s family. It can help reduce chaos and make it easier to manage time effectively.

4. Delegate Tasks

 

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Share tasks with your partner and children to allow them to chip in. This not only helps you lighten the workload but also allows your children to learn responsibility and teamwork. Whether it’s doing the dishes, folding laundry, or helping with dinner, everyone can contribute in some way.

5. Communicate Openly

Communication is key to managing family stress. There should always be open communication with the partner and children about needs and expectations. Discuss any issue or problem and work together on finding a solution. This will help in avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

6. Have Time for Family

Quality family time plays an important part in bonding with one another and reducing stress. Make a conscious effort to eat meals at the table together, play a game, or go out for an activity. This helps increase the bond and results in lasting memories.

7. Seek Support

Do not hesitate to seek help in moments you might need it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or support groups for advice and encouragement. Oftentimes, simply sharing with someone who knows what you are feeling might make all the difference.

8. Take Care of Your Health

Good health does help manage stress well. Eat a balanced diet, maintain physical activity, and have adequate rest. A sound body will provide more energy to manage the challenges at work and in family life.

9. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help you keep calm and stay focused amidst chaos. Use just a few minutes each day for a mini-break to practice mindfulness and ground yourself; this can be applied to coping with stress in a more constructive way and generally feeling better.

10. Accept Imperfection

At last, accept imperfection. Realise that it’s okay not to have everything under control all the time. Life is messy, and that makes it beautiful. Learn to accept imperfections and find pleasure in little things.

It’s hard, really hard to work as a mum, but in the end, can be very fulfilling too. Prioritise self-care, manage expectations realistically, make a schedule, delegate work, open communication with your partner, take time for your family, seek support, take care of your health, practice mindfulness, and accept imperfection in the management of stress within the family while finding balance. You’re doing a great job, and sometimes taking it one day at a time will do. Oh, and do sign up to our email list (top right of our sidebar), as we send more tips and support your way on this journey of being a working mum.


Images: Envato 

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