My article The Lies I Tell Myself got me thinking about how much of a full-time job being a mom really is. A lot of moms wrote back saying that they too feel tired and bored most of the time, despite having so many exciting things to appreciate in life. Being a mom and trying to maintain a balanced life aren’t always easy to combine.
That said, I realize that I have the option to regain that sense of balance in life; a sense that has gone missing for a while. Here are some of the things I’m going to do – things you can try too – to improve things going forward.
More “Me” Time
Yes, taking care of the kids while trying to maintain a career or doing other things in life isn’t easy. You have to be willing to invest a lot of time and energy into making everything work. Let’s just acknowledge the fact that some days will feel more overwhelming than the others.
Despite the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there must always be time for some personal activities. Having enough “Me” time is good for more than just keeping your spirit up. For starters, being able to just take a step back and do something entertaining will help you stay fresh and focused for longer.
“Me” time is also a great element that helps fight off boredom and tiredness. When you start feeling exhausted all the time – despite having done nothing for the day – you know that you need some time off. It doesn’t have to be particularly complicated or elaborate too. A movie marathon or a day out with friends can do the job perfectly.
A Series of Achievements
Another thing I will do to regain balance is pursuing life goals I abandoned when I became a mom. For some, this means chasing that next promotion or a mid-level managerial position. For others, it could be starting a business and taking it to success.
I’m actually considering an MSN online course from the University of Arizona. The online RN to MSN course allows me to earn a master’s degree in nursing from home. Online courses in other fields are also available, so you too can choose to pursue the dream degree you have always wanted while taking care of the kids.
Small Rewards
Last but certainly not least, you need to reward yourself for reaching certain goals. The achievements we talked about earlier are great ways to start. You can also set smaller, easier-to-accomplish milestones and reward yourself every time you reach them.
It’s a simple approach, but it is an approach that works. I started allowing myself a piece of chocolate cake whenever I can go through the day without getting angry or frustrated. Again, it’s a small goal to achieve, but the reward I get in return helps me stay motivated.
After all, it’s about creating a more balanced, happier life. Sometimes, we just have to be more open and appreciate the little things to get to the bigger achievements in life.
