Finding Balance

Working moms and dads can often feel torn between the demands of work and home. We may feel frazzled or stretched too thin as we struggle to do it all. Life is a balancing act and finding balance is always a work in progress. Kay Barlow, MEBA’s Community and Parent Education Director, offers these tips to help you get there.

• Accept the fact that life is complicated.
• Know that you are not alone. Everyone feels unbalanced or “out of sync” at times.
• Understand that many times of “unbalance” are often temporary, such as when you have small children, are working towards a degree or going through a divorce.
• Learn the difference between your wants and your needs.
• Decide what the most important thing to you is at this moment and prioritize.
• Simplify your environment. Get rid of clutter in your home and office space.
• Say no. Don’t over schedule yourself or your children.
• Take care of yourself. Life becomes more balanced if you eat right, get plenty of sleep and enjoy moderate exercise.
• Find joy. Take time to play, do things you enjoy and spend time together as a family.
• Share the load. Reach out for help when you need it.
• Have a plan. Establishing a routine will create structure and give you confidence.
• Be flexible. Learn to bend so that you don’t break.
• Reflect often on the things for which you are thankful.
• Act with kindness.
• Wait to worry.