Parents can sometimes feel a lot of strain and fatigue as they try to juggle responsibilities at home and at work. It you’re starting to feel the pressure, here are some ideas to consider.
- Fit in relaxing moments when you can. Close the office door for a few minutes, shut your eyes, and do relaxation exercises. Or, instead of a coffee break, take a short walk instead. Not only can diversions like these reduce your stress, they can actually improve efficiency on the job and make you feel more vitalized when you get home in the evening.
- If you’re regularly tired when you come home, try to develop rituals that improve your frame of mind. This may mean spending some time by yourself in order to put distance between you at home and the day’s stresses.
Your children are eager to be with you, and to share their day.
- Take a look at how you are spending your time during the day, and look for areas in which you can reduce stress. Can you bring dinner in two nights a week? Is there a high school or college student you can hire to help for an hour or two in the evenings, helping with laundry or cleaning up the kitchen? If you can save a couple hours a night this way, you will have more time to spend with your children, or more time to relax and sleep.
- Be realistic with your expectations. Some nights you may have to choose between going to the store and doing the laundry. Some things just may have to wait until the weekend.
- Involve the entire family in the evening responsibilities that are a drain on your time and energy. If the family works together to help clean up the kitchen after dinner, it will be done much quicker and free up some time for you in the evening. Do the same on weekends! Everyone can pitch in on Saturday morning to clean the house or do laundry.
- On the weekends, schedule some time for yourself. Go for a walk, go to the gym, read a book. While family time is important and certain chores need to be done, it’s essential you get time to unwind and recharge your own batteries too.
This article is sponsored by the Newburgh NY office of Children’s Medical group. Your Newburgh NY Pediatrician cares for children from Newburgh to New Windsor, Walden to Marlboro, and many other communities in Orange and Ulster Counties. Learn more about our Newburgh location.
Source: CMG