During sobriety, daily stress and chronic pressures can become triggers for drug and alcohol relapse. One of the central issues for many women in recovery is the challenge of balancing work and family life. While it’s natural to feel pulled between two worlds as a working mother, finding ways to foster balance in your life can help you become more effective in both arenas – while reducing stress and guarding your new-found sobriety.
Here at The Orchid Recovery Center, we can help you find the delicate balance between work and family life so you can stand strong in your sobriety. Call us today for more information.
Ways to Balance Work and Family Life
With a mindful approach, you can foster productivity and peace at home and at the office. We’ve gathered some practical ways to create a greater sense of balance in both employment and motherhood below.
- Set Dual Goals
The first step to achieving goals is simply to set them. So often, we set goals at the office and forget to set goals for ourselves at home. Ask yourself what you would like to achieve as a mother, as well as what goals you have for your intimate relationship. Eliminate any unnecessary expectations and focus on the goals you truly desire to achieve. Break down goals into daily, actionable items.
- Ask for Help
One of the easiest mistakes to make in attempting home life and work balance is to attempt to go it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, coworkers or boss should you find yourself overwhelmed.
- Get Organized
Organization can be a proactive way to reduce stress. Lay out lunches and clothes for kids the night beforehand. Keep a clean inbox at work and sync up professional and personal calendars to avoid double-booking. Set chore schedules and daily routines to ensure effective time management, higher productivity and calmness.
- Remain Flexible
Not every day goes according to plan. Allow yourself the space to be flexible when unexpected events come up. Attempting rigidity only adds to stress levels. Some days, the laundry will have to wait, and some days, you might find yourself working through lunch to meet an unexpected deadline. Strive for balance, but keep perspective when you need to make fast adaptations.
- Eliminate Harsh Judgment
Self-criticism and guilt add nothing to your day. Set your own personal standards and let go of the need to berate yourself for not keeping up with the Joneses. Remember to keep your sense of perspective (and your sense of humor!). Avoid comparisons with others. Remember that you don’t have to be superwoman to be effective at work and on the home front.
- Stay Present
It’s easy to divide your attention when you have both work and home pressures. Attempt to stay present as you approach each task in a mindful manner. When you are with your children after work, do your best to avoid checking your email or voicemail continuously. Conversely, while at work, attempt to trust your partner, daycare provider or babysitter and avoid unnecessary worrying. - Make Contingency Plans
The stress of the last minute can add to a sense of imbalance. Try as best as you can to make preparatory contingency plans. Talk with your partner about who will stay home at what times when the children are sick. Make back-up plans for date nights that may be sidelined by work pressures. Knowing ahead of time what your “Plan B” is can help take the stress out of any surprises headed your way.
