Balancing Work and Family: Tips from Your Leadership Coach
It is essential to understand that achieving work-life balance is not just about being productive and efficient, but it’s also about taking care of your physical and emotional well-being. According to research, women who prioritize self-care are more likely to achieve better work-life balance, experience less stress, and have higher life and job satisfaction.
Here are some additional tips from research and successful female leaders on how to accomplish balance:
1. Prioritize your tasks: Focus on the essential tasks that will bring you the most value and satisfaction, and delegate or eliminate tasks that are not critical. Remember, you do not need to be all things to all people; some items do not require your attention; they just need to be completed by someone.
2. Learn to say NO! Saying no to non-essential commitments will help you avoid burnout and keep your priorities in focus. Although it is difficult, especially if you are a pleaser, the power of NO is a game-changer. I encourage you to practice it starting today. If you don’t want to do it, you don’t have time, and you are only saying yes because you don’t want to disappoint someone, say NO. I promise you the other party will be fine.
3. Practice mindfulness: Take breaks throughout the day to practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. This can help reduce stress and improve your focus. I know we read about this daily, but I schedule time off for a few minutes and use the CALM app. Implement time every day that forces you to take a few minutes to reset and refocus and schedule it.
4. Make time for yourself: Remember, you matter! Prioritize your hobbies and interests, and schedule time for self-care activities such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones without rushing. You deserve to have some time. The better you are, the more joy you will experience.
5. Embrace flexibility: Embrace flexibility in your work and personal life and find ways to integrate the two. Pay attention to your rigidity and ensure you are not putting undue pressure on yourself or others because you are an overachiever. Everything is not urgent. Pay close attention to the pressure you apply to yourself, and if you can give yourself or others more time, do it.
6. Find your tribe: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will hold you accountable for being the best version of yourself and ask for help when needed, even if it is uncomfortable. Remember, we all need someone, and if you do not have a tribe, find a mentor, or hire a coach, we cannot do this alone.
Because you matter, I encourage you to implement these tips. It takes time to change, but there is no better time than the present. You deserve a more balanced and fulfilling life. Achieving balance is a continuous process that may require regular adjustments and adaptations to your routines and priorities, but stay the course because you are worth it, and if you need my support, remember #Igotyou.
Sincerely
Scharrell
Your Leadership Coach