As a working mom, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to focus on your family. You're pulled in a million different directions, and it's easy to feel like you're never doing enough. It can be easy to get overwhelmed. But it's important to remember that you need to take care of yourself, too. Setting boundaries can help you stay organized and focused, and make sure that your work doesn't interfere with your family time.
For many moms, the thought of setting boundaries seems impossible. Especially at work when we feel the pressure to do it all and be it all. We think that if we set boundaries, we'll be seen as less committed to our job or our boss will think we're slacking off. But the truth is, setting boundaries isn't about being selfish - it's about taking care of yourself so that you can be the best mom, and employee, you can be. When you're well-rested and have time for your own hobbies and interests, you'll be a happier, more patient mom and a more productive employee.
You are not available 24/7
As a working mom, it's important to set boundaries and remind yourself that you are not available 24/7 (unless your specific job requires you to be on call). If you do have a job that requires on-call status, make sure to spend time with family and disconnect from the office during your non-on call days.
You cannot be at work all the time and expect to be a good mom - you need to take time for yourself, too. This means setting limits with your clients and employers and reminding them that you have a life outside of work.
You will not multi-task
Multi-tasking is often lauded as a necessary skill in today's world. We are constantly being told that we need to be able to multi-task in order to be successful. And women, in particular, are often said to be better at multi-tasking than men. But the reality is, that the human brain is physically unable to focus on two things at the same time. Instead, it rapidly switches back and forth between tasks, which can lead to errors, decreased efficiency, difficulty focusing, and increased feelings of stress and overwhelm. You know that feeling, at the end of the day when you feel like you've been going non-stop at top speed all day, but haven't accomplished much? It's likely because you've been "multi-tasking" which can leave you feeling incomplete.
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a working mom is to set the boundary that you will not multi-task at home or at work. This means no checking email while on the phone, only working on one project at a time, and giving yourself some downtime after finishing each task so your brain has room for new information instead of just going from one thing to another.
You will take breaks and vacations
Just because you're a working mom doesn't mean you have to work all the time. It's important to take breaks and vacations - both for your mental health and for your family. When you're well-rested, you'll be a better mom and a better employee.
Check your employee handbook and state regulations to find out what the break policy is. If they offer 10 minutes of rest per four hours worked then make sure that this time is taken! Taking steps away from your desk will not only help physically but also mentally so go outside if possible or take some short walks while listening to music at low volume levels (which has been shown to reduce stress).
Don't feel guilty about taking a break - you deserve it!
You will not feel guilty for taking time for yourself
It's important to remember that you need to take care of yourself, too. This means taking time for your hobbies and interests, and not feeling guilty about it. You may need to remind your family that sometimes you need to have time to yourself to recharge (they're learning these boundaries and self-care by watching you!). When you're well-rested and have time for your own interests, you'll be a happier, more patient mom and a more productive employee.
You will put your family first
No matter how much you love your job, your family always comes first. This means that if there's an emergency at home, you need to be able to leave work to take care of it. You also need to make sure that you're taking time off for family events and vacations.
It can be difficult to find the balance between work and family, but it's important to remember that your family is always more important than your job. If something comes up at work that will interfere with your ability to take care of your family, don't hesitate to put your family first.
If you're like most working moms, you feel like you can never quite catch up. There's always more work to be done, and somehow there just aren't enough hours in the day. But setting boundaries is essential if you want to find any semblance of balance in your life. And it's not as hard as you might think. You just need to be willing to put yourself first sometimes. If setting boundaries is new to you, check out my program. I'll show you how easy it can be to create healthy boundaries for yourself and your family. Because when momma's happy, everybody's happy!
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