I am a working mom and like with most working moms, my free time is at a minimum. Occasionally, I have a few minutes, but never enough to do anything of value with it. I am overworked, underpaid, and some days, not appreciated. Here are a few tips to soothing the working moms mind and putting it all into perspective.
Accept limitations. There are no perfect moms and no perfect kids. When we accept our own limitations, we can better accept our kids'. Doesn't compare yourself to other moms, especially stay-at-home moms! It may look rosy on the other side of the motherhood fence, but you don't know their real stories.
One of the biggest working-mother myths about multitasking is that it helps us get more done. This is only the case when the tasks don't require much concentration--like setting the table while talking on the phone. But if your child asks what "s-e-x" means, you don't want to be chopping veggies at the same time. we deplete ourselves when we multitask on high-concentration jobs--like when your boss asks you to revise a budget. So multitasking can actually lead to burnout.
The truth about focusing on one thing at a time and living in the moment is that it makes us more productive and happier. Yes, you're pulled in many directions at once, but if you choose one direction at a time, you'll be more effective and less stressed. At work, try for what psychologists call "flow," immersing your mind fully in one activity. At home, take time to give your kids your full attention--they need it.
if you're walking around with a stiff neck and a knot in your stomach, and your personality is always set on irritated, it's time to do something about your stress level. This doesn't require two hours of meditation daily or locking yourself in an isolation chamber. There are simple things you can do to conquer stress.
Exercise. Yes, we know you barely have time to pee, let alone put on your sneakers. Which is why all we're asking is that you commit to ten minutes. That's it. Do something easy, like walk around the block or flip on a fitness channel and join in or pick up a couple of soup cans and pump. Try to find something you like and stick with it. If you're done after ten minutes, fine, but chances are, you'll say, "I can do another ten!"
Get physical. When you're under pressure--plugging away on a particularly difficult project at work, or coping with your child who is going through a "stage"--try to find a physical outlet for your frustration, preferably one that lets you smash and bash things, like kickboxing.
Express yourself. When you feel your emotions building, vent to a friend who's good at talking you down, or simply confide in your dog.
Keep your perspective. Recognize a situation for what it is. If you're fuming because the train is late, again, remind yourself that this is one of the many things that are out of your control. Try to belly breathe.
Worrying Less. Fretting over your kids' safety, your career decisions, your relationships and your overloaded schedule is bound to happen from time to time. but worrying, which can be an appropriate emotion depending on the circumstances, can become destructive when left unchecked. if you feel persistently anxious, call your doctor. In the meantime, try one (or all) of these strategies to help ease anxiety.
For great working mom tools, check out the Delonghi EC155 Review: or the Apple TV Second Generation Review
