Navigating family time: Creating balanced plans for home life
It is no secret that life is busy. We have work demands, and family schedules with extracurricular activities, and somewhere between all of that, we need to find time for ourselves.
And to top it all off enjoying quality family together needs to be thrown into the mix too, it is a lot. This is why finding the best way to create a manageable balance between all these elements is a must, not only to be able to complete or part take in all of them, but for your mental health and well-being.
Stress is something we tend to ‘live with’ more often than not, but it can quickly take a toll on you, emotionally, mentally, and certainly physically. A day out with the family, kids, and grandparents is a perfect way to de-stress and shed some of those life’s stresses that seemingly never go away. But is it easier said than done?
Thankfully, no.
We have curated a few tips on how best to implement a more manageable schedule, and take that deserved time for yourself too when it’s needed (and it is needed). Let’s dive in and see how even small changes can offer the biggest impact.
Make simple and effective adjustments
Even one small adjustment could help in a situation to better manage the balance between a work-life setup and organizing things in your home and family. Whether you opt for a handful of these tips or all of them, you will be sure to see a better-oiled family machine where everyone seems to be in the right place at the right time and loving life.
Plan ahead and embrace how the brain works
Planning activities or meetings to co-inside with leisure activities. So if a work call can be done on the go why not try taking the call while out for a walk, or at the gym on the treadmill or bike, this way you get to tick off two things at once. Win-win.
Making the most of your time is key, and while doing more than one thing at a time helps, we also need to understand that short bursts of quality work are more effective than long tedious sessions. Consider a work timer that alerts you when it’s time to take a quick break, make a cup of tea, grab a handful of biscuits (because why not, right?), and get back to it a moment later to hit the ground running.
Time management
Blocking off tasks for certain times means you have a goal in mind for that set period and you can get it done without distractions. Designate times to take meeting calls, send and respond to messages, or arrange the kid’s curricular activity schedules in a way that meets everyone’s needs.
Get outdoors and taking time off
The best way to force yourself out of the house or office is to meet up with friends or co-workers for lunch. A local café is just what you need for a change of scenery, grabbing a bite to eat, and more so socializing and taking your mind off of work and deadlines if even just for the moment.
Time away from the usual routine helps to keep things fresh and not get caught in a web of the hum-drum monotonous cycle.
Do something of interest outside of work
We all have interests we like to indulge in from time to time. Book a painting class with a friend and enjoy a catch-up and some wine. Try out for a dance class to get the blood flowing and let loose all those younger year moves, anything that brings a smile and a laugh is worth it.
Practice mindfulness
If you have never tried a gym class, yoga, or perhaps a meditation class it could be a nice experience and something you didn’t know you enjoyed. Sign up for a few sessions and try something new. Taking time for yourself away from everyone, and closing your eyes in a safe space with ambient music and therapeutic aromas, is essential for your mental well-being.
Plus you have an excuse to treat yourself to some comfy joggers and yoga gear (yes please). And if you truly want to pamper yourself, and we know you do, then treat yourself to the softest house slippers for women that make you feel like you are walking on clouds. The ultimate luxury when you get home, pop them on for a perfect end to a relaxing day and time for yourself.
The time is now
Life is worth living, we know this, but it doesn’t mean it always has to be at 100 miles an hour. With a good mix of ‘go-time’ and relaxing we can be better versions of ourselves for our family and those close to us. And if it means a deserved purchase of new slippers or a night out, then all the better. Nothing is too much when you have a plan and balance.
