Let’s face it. As we are approaching the end of 2020, we can say that it was a year filled with challenges. Between the pandemic, the floods, the fires, the political unrest, we can agree that we need our peace of mind. From a personal perspective, we were all compelled to change our way of life and are currently living in a digital world. We do everything from home!
For most women, it can be quite exhausting and stressing. We work full time, have a family, and other obligations. In its article “stress effects on the body” the American Psychological Association talks about different ways that our body can be affected by stress.
I often get this question: how do you find your peace of mind/ balance while being a mother, a professional and a full-time student? Here are some of my favorite tips that keep me on track.
ME TIME.
Put some time aside-at least fifteen to thirty minutes a day-for yourself. Use it to do whatever makes you happy. Read a book, listen to music, go for walk, meditate, watch tv, do nothing, etc. It is your time. If you are a parent and have small children, try to work around their schedule when they are at school or taking a nap. My favorite “me time” activities are to cook (yes, it relaxes me) journaling, and do nothing.
ORGANIZE YOUR WORKING TIME AND STICK TO IT.
Although flexibility is one of the main rewards of working from home, it is important to organize our day. Organize your working station; set your working hours and maintain them; dress up and stay away from social media. It is also important, while working, to take short breaks, and go for a walk. It helps you to refocus.
ASK FOR HELP
It you feel overwhelmed at work or at home, remember to ask for help. You could, for example, ask your children or someone else for help with chores around the house (fold the laundry, do the dishes, clean the house). With your kids, you could make it fun activity that you share together. At work, you can reach out to a colleague, delegate.
Some people might need professional help. Do not be afraid to reach out. Below are some links that I hope you will find useful.
https://www.mhanational.org/finding-help-when-get-it-and-where-go
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help
EXERCISE
Exercising has been proven to be beneficial for our health and wellbeing. It can also act as a stress reliever which is particularly important during this pandemic. Consistency is key! Find an exercise routine that you like, set up your goal and stick to it. Exercise with your kids. Go for a walk, a bicycle ride, or anything you like together. My favorite exercises are Pilates and kickboxing.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR NUTRITION.
Avoid unhealthy snacks and eat regularly. It is easier to snack all the time when your commute from your desk to the fridge is less than one minute. Fill your fridge with healthy snacks that will also keep you full longer. Make sure to include more vegetables and water in your diet.
Do not forget to involve your family in your meal plan whenever possible and be creative. Let’s take for example oatmeal, a popular breakfast; the way I like to prepare it is by adding pumpkin puree to it. You can add whatever fruits and nuts you want depending on what is in season. Do not limit yourself and have fun with it.
CHECK YOUR HEALTH.
Put some time aside to check in with your doctor. If you are concerned about going to a medical office during this period, telehealth is a great alternative.
SOCIALIZE.
Spend quality time with your children and spouse. Prepare your food, eat it, play, go for a walk together. Whatever the time that you are spending together, give them your full attention. Also, reach out virtually to family and friends.
We are all in it together. We cannot change the current situation, but we can adapt to it and change our attitude. What are your coping skills to achieve balance? Feel free to share with me your own experience in the comments section.
I thought your article had great tips that I would definitely use in my everyday life during this difficult time! I really love the links you provided for help and where to go for it, and I definitely will be using the link for mediation in the near future!! Thank you for the new oatmeal recipe, adding pumpkin puree to my oatmeal from now on 🙂
Thank you Casey. Meditate keeps me going. Oatmeal is definitely my favorite one 🙂
Rachel, I enjoyed your post and totally agree that we cannot change the current situation but we can definitely work on ourself and well-being. The tips are great and easy to follow. For me time is the most important one for me because I hardly get that time, and when it’s there I try to make it fun full with my daughter.
Great post Rachel, can’t way to read more!
I totally get you. ME TIME is not easy at all. But it so important for our balance. Maybe wake up 10 to 15 minutes earlier could help?
I really liked your post. Sometimes I really felt that way and it was awful because I was sharing the same atmosphere for both my personal life and work. For me it was hard to feel at home because I felt I was at my office 24/7. There was a point where I had to stop wearing my iwatch because I was reading things from work the whole time and as I was at home, I was getting back to work all the time… of course, this was not healthy at all.
Thank you for these tips.
you are welcome 🙂
I really loved your blog Rachel, your page is very peaceful and the information you shared is very useful. I am conscious of my inner peace and taking control of what I allow in my space. Only positive vibes here
Victoria, this is great!!! not everyone is conscious of that.
I love it! It ‘s good that you talked about a bit of everything!
Thank you Christel.