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As a mother, achieving a work-life balance can be a challenging task. According to recent data, more than half of women with children are interested in entrepreneurship. Of the mothers surveyed who are not already business owners, 44% said they're either slightly or moderately interested in starting a business and becoming entrepreneurs. One in six mothers indicated they’re very interested in starting a business (source: Shopify).
The constant juggling act between work, home, and family can leave many mothers feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed. However, it is possible to achieve a work-life balance that works for you and your family, while also prioritizing your mental health. Here are some tips to help you achieve a better work-life balance and improve your mental well-being.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. According to a recent study published by Forbes, 70.5% of women entrepreneurs surveyed were motivated by the desire to make a difference. Make time for activities that make you happy and help you relax, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk. Scheduling these activities into your daily routine and making them a priority will help you maintain your mental health.
Set Realistic Expectations
Don't try to do everything at once. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and set achievable goals. According to Everychildthrives.com, 64% of mothers are the primary earners in their homes, even when they live with a partner, according to a December 2019 report from the Center for American Progress. This is especially true for Black and Latinx women who are respectively 84% and 60% more likely to be their household’s primary breadwinners. Being realistic about what you can achieve in a day will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
Learn to Say No
It's okay to say no to requests that don't align with your priorities or add unnecessary stress to your life. Saying no can be empowering and help you regain control of your time. According to a recent study published by Gusto, women, and entrepreneurs of color are leading a boom in new business creation in the United States. Almost half of start-ups in 2021 were formed by women. Seizing a “pandemic-related opportunity” was the biggest reason for women starting new businesses in 2021. Learning to say no can help you focus on your priorities and achieve your goals.
Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule can help you stay organized and prioritize your time. Make a list of all your tasks and assign them to specific days and times. According to a recent survey published by Shopify, women with younger children (5 years old or younger) are more likely to want to start their own businesses compared to women with older children. Creating a schedule will help you avoid procrastination and stay on track.
Communicate with Your Employer
Communicate with your employer about your needs as a working mom. Ask for flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to help you balance work and family responsibilities. According to a recent study published by Newsweek, almost 40 percent of women who started a new business in 2020 did so as a direct result of the pandemic. Minority women, who were hit hardest by pandemic layoffs, were more than twice as likely as other women to say they'd become an entrepreneur because they were jobless or concerned about their financial situation. Communicating with your employer can help you balance work and family responsibilities.
Delegate Tasks
You don't have to do everything yourself. Delegating tasks to others and asking for help when you need it can lighten your load and free up time for other things. This could mean asking your partner to take on more household chores, hiring a babysitter, or delegating tasks at work.
Disconnect from technology
Technology has made our lives easier in many ways, but it can also be a major source of stress and distraction. Make a conscious effort to disconnect from technology regularly, whether it's turning off your phone during dinner or taking a break from social media. This can help you recharge and be more present in the moment.
Practice gratitude
Focusing on the things you're grateful for can help shift your mindset and improve your mental health. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for, whether it's your family, your health, or your job. This can help you feel more positive and energized.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. As a mom, it can be challenging to get enough sleep with all the demands on your time. However, prioritizing sleep is essential for achieving work-life balance and better mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and establish a bedtime routine to help you wind down and prepare for sleep.
Achieving work-life balance as a mom
Achieving work-life balance as a mom is not easy, but it is possible with the right strategies and mindset. By prioritizing your time, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and getting enough sleep, you can improve your mental health and overall well-being. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and say no to things that don't align with your values and goals. With these tips, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life as a mom.
Some data on working moms and moms in the workforce
Data: According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, women are more likely than men to report having a high level of stress and to say that their stress levels have increased in the past year. Additionally, working mothers report higher levels of stress than other women. In fact, 40% of working moms say they experience high levels of stress on a daily basis. Actually, studies show that moms tend to have high levels of cortisol due to stress.
Furthermore, a study by McKinsey & Company found that women are significantly more likely than men to feel burned out at work. The study also found that mothers are more likely to experience burnout than women without children.
These statistics highlight the importance of addressing work-life balance and mental health for moms. By implementing the tips outlined in this blog post, moms can take steps to reduce stress and achieve a better balance between work and personal life.
Data has shown that women, especially mothers, often carry a disproportionate amount of domestic and caregiving responsibilities. According to a 2019 report by the Center for American Progress, women spend an average of 4.1 hours per day on unpaid work, such as housework and childcare, while men spend an average of 2.5 hours per day. This means that women have less time to focus on their careers, hobbies, and self-care, which can lead to burnout and stress.
Delegating tasks can help women achieve a better work-life balance and reduce the burden of unpaid work. In fact, a survey by LinkedIn found that 69% of working mothers who delegate tasks feel less stressed, and 68% feel more productive at work. Additionally, delegating tasks can provide an opportunity for others to learn new skills and take on responsibilities, which can lead to a more equitable division of labor at home and in the workplace.
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