This is a question that has been on my mind lately. I know it is easy to classify “work” as the things that we get paid money to do, but is it really that simple? Are you a stay at home moms that cooks, cleans and take care of the children? I would absolutely consider this work, even though moms are not “paid” in monetary form for their work.
I have re-defined “work” as energy output. It is easy to classify cleaning, cooking, running errands etc. as energy output. What about exercising, going to the doctor, taking time to hang out with your friends, visit a sick family member? All of these are also “work.” This is work that you choose to take on depending upon your value and priorities.
When you expand your definition of work and start to see that all of your energy output is work, you can see how easy it is for us to burn the candle at both ends.
How does one achieve any type of balance in today’s busy and modern world? Here are some tips:
1) Don’t overbook your schedule, if you are working a long day then don’t plan dinner out, then expect to come home and clean the house.
2) Hire things out… guilt free. If you are working at a full time job on top of managing the whole house. (I know that a majority of women are still playing this role), if your partner won’t share in the household responsibilities, then hire someone to help you. You might be saying, “I can’t afford to pay someone” you might be surprised by what you find when you start asking around. In addition, you have to change your thinking away from doing everything yourself, as in the end you and those close to you will suffer.
3) Create your top 10 pillar list. These are the things that are most important to you and something you can refer back to daily as you find yourself getting overwhelmed or over committed.
Here is my top 10 pillar list:
1. Self-Love (Basis for extreme self-care)
2. Spending time with my husband and family
3. Create and maintaining a strong social support structure
4. Stress Management
5. Financial margin
6. Sleep
7. Supplements
8. Movement
9. Nutrition
10. Being active in Community/Volunteer Work
Remind yourself daily to breathe. It is not easy making a commitment to yourself and your well-being. It feels very selfish and self-absorbed, which in fact it is quite the opposite. The more margin you have for yourself personally, the better husband, wife, mother, father, friend, community member you make.
To your health,

Sharon