Whether you are a new mum just heading back to work or a mum that has been around for years, you probably have found that it’s difficult to find that elusive work/life balance. Grab five minutes and check out these business survival tips for the stresses out mum (that works.)
Finding ways to fit in all the things you have to do while still being able to enjoy all the things you want to do isn’t easy! – trust me, I know from first hand experience. However, there are ways you can reduce the time you spend tackling things on your to-do list.
With the help of these top tips you’ll find you have more time during the evenings to spend making memories with your loved ones.
1. Be disciplined with your working hours.
Is it possible to adjust your work hours so they work better for you? Can you work from home some days? If you don’t get to set your own work hours then you should ideally speak to your employer and negotiate starting early and getting back early, in time for the school pick up and evening routine.
2. Employ a cleaner.
It’s stupid to pay out for a childminder or babysitter to take the kids to the park while you tidy the house. Who wants to spend every Saturday morning hoovering when you could be out in the fresh air having fun with the kids? Someone once told me that you only have eighteen summers with your kids, time is of the essence so spend it wisely.
3. Holidays are for rest.
Try and avoid turning your holiday into your usual home routine just in a different location.
You could arrange a group holiday with your friends. Traveling with friends who have children the same age – will not only keep the little ones entertained, but the adults can share the chores – taking it in turns giving each other the night off!
4. Don’t wait until you’ve got more time.
Many of my clients put off projects until they have plenty of time to work on them. But the key is to take action and start now! You’ll be 5 minutes further along than you were before and eventually those add up to a completed project. Besides, when you think about it, when was the last time you actually had a good chunk of uninterrupted time?
If you still think you need to wait for your perfect chunk of time then try setting a timer to see how long jobs actually take… You might be surprised at how quick you actually do them.
5. Meal prep.
Joe Wicks says we should “prep like boss!” but after a long day at work the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot cooker and sort dinner. It can be especially difficult if you are also running around trying to get your kids to their after school clubs and evening activities!
While we all love ordering pizza or picking up a chinese, we all know it’s not the healthiest or most cost effective option there is. You could actually save both time and money by fixing up a simple meal at home. Give it a Google and you’ll soon find thousands of recipes for quick, easy and healthy dinners that you can get on the table with minimal effort even on the craziest of nights!
6. Ask your friends and family for help.
I totally understand that this option isn’t available to everyone. If you do have some people in your life that live close by and are reliable, why not ask them for help? If you have friends who have children of their own, offer to look after their kids on a different day.
7. Don’t skip the self-care.
When it comes to priorities, you usually let your own needs hover at the bottom of the list because you’re too busy making sure everyone else is at 100%.
Am I right? I know I’m right.
While you’re busy taking care of everyone else, who’s taking care of you? It’s important to exercise some self-care as you go through your days. Whether it’s taking a nice relaxing bath with a gorgeous smelling bath bomb. Or putting your feet up at the end of the day with a glass of wine and your favourite crime drama. You’ll find that once you start making time for you, you’re able to better take care of everyone else.
8. Outsource everything.
One of my favourite phrases is – Do what you do best and outsource the rest. I do truly do believe and live by that. I have such a brilliant outsourced support team helping me with my business. I outsource my Email Marketing, Social Media, Advert Marketing, Website Management, PR, Design, Printing and Copywriting – and guess what? I still find myself feeling swamped with work! I even have my own support team for daily life and house chores. I have a Coach, Cleaner Ironer, Gardener, Handyman and Painter!
I know plenty of people that try and do it all, of course, some manage it but more often than not. The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. You can’t do it all by yourself, it’s just not sustainable.
Have a support team that you can rely on and your business will blossom. Because you will have the time and effort to work on what’s important to you!
9. Be realistic
At the end of each working day, perform a little self-analysis. Ask yourself what worked today, what didn’t, what went wrong and how the issue can be fixed.
Remember there are thousands of businesses just like yours learning the same lessons every day. Don’t forget to tap into the valuable resources around you – your friends and peers – for help.
Originally wrote this in July 2019 – think it’s still relevant!