Are You Walking a Tightrope Between Work and Family?
By Sandy Schroeder
Today’s frantic 24/7 pace often boxes people in, forcing them to walk a tightrope between careers and family demands. One or the other always seems to get the lion’s share of attention.
If you know all too well what it means to work nonstop, and then show up for the second shift of laundry, cooking and bedtime stories, you may be looking for relief.
Psychologists tell us it’s important to find that relief, to be happy in both roles. It’s the old story; you can’t hang in there to help your family if you sacrifice your mental and physical health in the process. Finding a way to navigate both without losing your cool is the goal. Business News Daily specialists suggest steps to take control.
Put your job into perspective – Work may be a creative stimulus, but it also keeps the fridge full, the car running, and the mortgage or rent paid. As you head out every morning, acknowledge what you are doing to keep your life and your family going.
Fashion a healthy schedule – Know who you are. Are you a morning powerhouse or midnight wizard? Shape your schedule to make the most of your abilities. Build in time for work, family and exercise.
Fold in a little me time – Reading a really good book, ambling through a flea market, or just sunbathing on the patio helps. A mom friend of mine does a weekly yoga class. She says it makes her a better mom, friend and co-worker. She excels at all three.
Understand refueling – When people stay connected constantly they fail to give their minds and bodies time to regroup. Great inspirations or smart follow-through is a lot more likely to happen if you are enjoying life. Start the day with a walk with your kids, and the dog. Wrap up the day with a romp in the park or cook dinner together. Leave the electronics outside of your bedroom, and sleep well.
Live in the moment – When you are on the job give it your all. When you bike through the park with your kids, relish the time. If we are always looking ahead, or looking back, we miss what is going on right now. We also shortchange everybody in the process.
Some of the happiest people that I know have made the dual role of family and job work well. A former boss led the charge for a major health center, powering them into the forefront. He also managed to take his kids climbing in the Alps. He was always quick to laugh, and ready for the next challenge. That’s how it works.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Boulder, Colo.